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Maryland and Virginia centers open three days per week.
Global rise in natural gas market costs and a colder winter than last season are contributing factors; easy energy conservation steps can help reduce impact on heating bill
October 29, 2021 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – As winter approaches the metropolitan area, Washington Gas announced today that customers can expect to see an increase of up to 22 percent in heating bills compared to last year. Customers may pay more due to the recent rise in the market price of natural gas, as well as the warmer than normal weather last year which resulted in lower than average bills.
Customers Pay what Washington Gas Pays
Globally, natural gas market prices have spiked based on many factors, such as the economic recovery during COVID-19, increased natural gas demand from last winter, as well as slower than anticipated production. It is important to note that Washington Gas does not make any profit from the sale of natural gas. What Washington Gas pays for natural gas is what customers are charged on their bills.
Washington Gas protects customers from some of the volatility in natural gas prices because we maintain underground natural gas storage fields to provide gas supply during peak demand periods. Natural gas drawn from these fields can supply approximately 50 percent of customers’ needs. In addition to guarding against overall market volatility, our storage facilities support our mission to deliver natural gas safely, reliably, and affordably to our customers, especially as temperatures begin to drop and demand for gas increases.
Prepare for Winter Today
As the DC-area awaits cold conditions, Washington Gas encourages customers to begin preparing their homes as soon as possible to use less energy and save money while keeping warm. Following simple industry best-practices for energy efficiency and weatherization can lead to significant savings.
“We know that the effects of the pandemic and higher natural gas prices will have an impact on our customers this year. That’s why it is so important to weatherize your home and take advantage of programs like budget billing to lessen the effects,” said Blue Jenkins, President of Washington Gas. “If everyone follows a few simple, practical steps, they can reduce their energy use and lower their bills while keeping their homes comfortable and warm.”
“Washington Gas’ distribution and transmission systems, as well as our personnel, are prepared for winter conditions,” said Colleen Starring, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
of Washington Gas. “Our highly trained employees are ready to respond in any emergency situation to ensure continuous safe and reliable service to our customers. As a reminder to our more than 1.2 million customers, if you smell gas please call our emergency line at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427) immediately, and a technician will respond.”
Jenkins added, “We understand that many residents are still facing financial hardships and we are committed to helping them manage the challenges of paying their bills. That’s why we have the Washington Gas Cares program available to identify energy assistance options or payment plans that fit specific budgets.”
Washington Gas Cares features energy assistance programs and payment plan options and can be found at www.washingtoncares.com. Listed below is basic information about the energy assistance programs and payment plans available to assist Washington Gas customers.
Energy Assistance Programs and the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF)
Payment Plan Options Available for Washington Gas Customers
Winter Preparation Tips
Generally, Washington Gas customers may notice a fluctuation in their bill amounts as seasons change because more energy from natural gas is being used in the coldest months. Washington Gas recommends preparing homes now by taking simple steps to help manage energy costs and stay safe, warm, and energy-smart when temperatures begin to drop. On average, less energy efficient homes can save about 25 percent on energy consumption and more than $275 annually in heating and cooling costs if they weatherize their homes.
Tips include:
Safety is the Top Priority
Washington Gas also reminds customers of several important safety tips:
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About Washington Gas
Washington Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AltaGas Ltd [TSX:ALA], is a regulated natural gas utility that provides safe, reliable natural gas service to more than 1.2 million customers in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. The company has been providing energy to residential, commercial, and industrial customers for more than 171 years. Visit us at www.washingtongas.com and follow us on Twitter @washingtongas, LinkedIn and Facebook.
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