WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Assuming normal winter temperatures, Washington Gas customers can expect heating bills to vary slightly from last year -- within a range of approximately five percent higher or lower -- depending upon the amount of gas a customer uses, the type of service and the market price of gas. The average natural gas bill for a Washington Gas residential heating customer was approximately $1,000 last winter. (National forecasts that anticipate higher costs this winter typically include more regional temperature considerations and do not account for all of the important steps companies, such as Washington Gas, take to protect customers -- as noted below.)
"While we try to give customers a reasonable expectation at the beginning of the heating season to help them manage costs, it's important to realize that changing weather, demand for fuel and other economic factors can have a significant impact on the actual cost of the gas supply during the winter," noted Eric Grant, Washington Gas spokesperson. Gas supply costs make up about two-thirds of the average heating customer's bill. As a regulated utility, Washington Gas must charge customers what it pays for the gas supply they use and cannot profit by increasing that cost. The rest of a customer's bill consists of distribution costs, taxes or other fees levied by state and local governments.
Washington Gas is committed to providing customers safe and reliable natural gas service at a reasonable cost and takes a number of steps in managing its supply portfolio to help stabilize customers' natural gas bills. "Each summer we purchase about one-third of our customers' winter demand and store it for use when the weather is colder. The average price of natural gas during the summer historically has been lower than during the winter," said Adrian Chapman, vice president of operations, regulatory affairs and energy acquisition at Washington Gas. "We have purchased another 18 percent of our customers' winter demand using pricing methods that help reduce the effect of natural gas price fluctuations." Regulatory initiatives approved in Maryland and Virginia also can help minimize monthly bill volatility, and a similar proposal is pending in the District of Columbia.
Annually, Washington Gas plans on normal winter weather but maintains the capability to meet demand in the most severe conditions. Chapman added, "Purchasing gas and placing it in storage allows the company to meet high customer demand on the coldest winter days, and it reduces the need to purchase natural gas in the market when the prices are highest."
While Washington Gas encourages energy efficiency year round, it begins in August to remind customers to prepare for the heating season and provides easy tips to help them manage energy costs and stay safe, warm and energy wise. Two key points are:
-- Schedule an annual furnace checkup now, before the first cold snap. Regular maintenance performed by a licensed professional can help provide safe, reliable and efficient operation during the winter season; and -- Consider signing up for the utility's Budget Plan. Eligible customers who join can spread the cost of winter heating over the entire year. This helps to minimize the impact of typically higher seasonal bills and provides greater flexibility in managing a household budget. Other important tips include: -- Change or clean furnace/air filters once a month. -- Caulk and weather strip around doors, windows. -- Install rubber gaskets behind outlet and switch plates. -- Turn your hot water heater down to Warm or Low settings, never more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. -- Wash full loads of laundry and dishes. -- Consider installing new, high-efficiency appliances. Look for the ENERGY STAR label. -- Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat, which automatically lowers the temperature setting at night and increases the setting during the day.
The company reminds customers to explore the Customer Choice program, an option for customers to buy their natural gas from an energy company other than Washington Gas. There are energy supply companies in D.C., Maryland and Virginia that compete in the retail energy market for customers' business. Some may offer fixed-pricing and other incentives that could be more beneficial in managing costs. Visit the Washington Gas Web site, http://www.washingtongas.com/, and click on Customer Choice. Regardless of which company sells natural gas to customers, Washington Gas will deliver it and will respond to gas emergencies around the clock.
Every year, Washington Gas cautions customers never to use stovetops or ovens to heat their homes. Misuse could result in carbon monoxide poisoning or fire. Along with smoke alarms, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends carbon monoxide alarms in every home.
If customers are having difficulty paying winter heating bills, they should call Washington Gas as soon as possible -- before their account falls into arrears. "Washington Gas wants to work with customers to develop payment plans if they need help, but customers should call us before their situation becomes unmanageable," said Lauren Foley, Washington Gas's head of consumer services. "We can also refer them to the various local agencies for heating assistance."
A number of energy assistance programs are available in the area, including the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF), founded by Washington Gas nearly 25 years ago. The program helps families who do not qualify for, or who have exhausted, government energy assistance. Administered by The Salvation Army, WAFF provides funds for all types of fuel to heat families' homes in winter. To date, the program has disbursed approximately $17.8 million in funds to help more than 215,000 residents in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region.
For information about energy assistance, the budget plan, energy efficiency, safety and more, go to http://www.washingtongas.com/ and click on Managing Your Energy Costs.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Washington Gas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of WGL Holdings, Inc. and serves more than one million customers throughout metropolitan Washington, D.C., and the surrounding region. The parent company also holds energy-related businesses that focus primarily on retail energy marketing and commercial heating, ventilating and air conditioning services. Additional information about WGL Holdings is available on its Web site, http://www.wglholdings.com/ .
