As Georgia’s natural gas leader, we want to make sure you are equipped with the right tools to manage your natural gas budget before colder weather hits. Selecting the right price plan is an important part of protecting your budget this winter – but that’s not all you can do.

Below are several tips to help reduce the impact of these rising costs.

How can I manage my natural gas costs?

• Turn your thermostat down when you’re away or asleep. You can save as much as 10% a year on energy costs by turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day during the colder months.  Many thermostats can even be programmed to automatically turn down the temperature during times you know you’ll be out of the house or asleep.
   
• Ensure your heating system is operating efficiently.  A clean system is an efficient system. Clean or replace furnace filters once a month or as recommended.  Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed.  Make sure your heating system isn’t blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.
   
• Take a home energy assessment.  A home energy assessment can help you understand the whole picture of your home’s energy use.  It can also help identify and prioritize areas to improve the comfort and efficiency of your home. Learn how to perform a do-it-yourself assessment or contact a local professional to assist you. Visit https://www.energy.gov to learn more energy-saving tips.
   
• Check all windows and doors for drafts. Winter drafts are caused when a home’s warmer air leaks out and gets quickly replaced by the colder outside air rushing in. This makes heating your home much less efficient. Carefully caulk or use sealant to insulate areas where you feel drafts. Add weather-stripping around doors and windows to stop warm air from escaping your home. If you notice any cracked caulking or worn weather stripping, replace it with new material. Close doors to extra rooms you don’t frequently use, or non-heated spaces like closets, walk-in food pantries, and storage areas. In spare or seldom used rooms, close off the heating vents.
   
• We recommend that customers consider one of our fixed rate or Guaranteed Bill^SM plans. GNG’s fixed price plans come in a variety of term lengths and help protect you from further increases in natural gas prices. We also offer Guaranteed Bill plans that guarantee you’ll pay a flat monthly bill amount regardless of changes in gas prices or weather. Click here to find the plan that best suits your needs.

Energy Assistance Options

If you are worried about paying your bill or missing a payment due to financial hardship, there are financial assistance options available to you.