With colder weather this winter, many households experienced higher energy bills due to the extra effort your heating equipment exerted to maintain a warm and comfortable home.
As the temperature increases, it is still a good practice to review your bill to check your therm usage. Therms measure the amount of energy your home used, and they can help explain why your bill is higher in winter compared to warmer months.
It’s important to note that as a regulated utility, Washington Gas does not profit from the sale of natural gas. The price we pay for gas is passed directly to our customers, meaning you pay the same amount for natural gas as Washington Gas pays its suppliers.
Factors contributing to higher-than-expected bills:
• Colder weather: Lower outdoor temperatures typically drive higher gas usage, resulting in higher bills.
• Number of days in a month: The number of days of usage can vary monthly and from previous years, ranging from 28 to 34 days depending on the month and billing cycle. This variation may impact the usage charge for that month compared to the prior month or year.
• Higher seasonal gas usage: More people in your home during the holidays, school breaks, or spending more time at home can naturally lead to increased usage due to hot showers and cooking.
• Changes to household settings: Adjusting your thermostat, such as raising the temperature setting in the winter or reprogramming hourly settings, can lead to increased usage.
Tips for managing your Washington Gas bill:
• Budget Plan: Spread the cost of usage evenly throughout the year to avoid surprises. To enroll, visit:washingtongas.com/budgetbill.
• Energy Efficiency Programs: Implementing energy efficiency measures can help save on energy consumptionand future energy bills. Learn more about available programs at wgsmartsavings.com.
• Installment Plan: Washington Gas will work with all eligible customers who cannot pay their gas bill, by entering into an Installment Plan agreement or consent order at the request of the customer. To enroll visit:washingtongas.com/install-plan.
For DC residents:
• The LIHEAP program assists income-eligible District households with heating and cooling energy costs through bill assistance. As of March 8, 2025, the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is no longer accepting applications for its LIHEAP program due to depleted funds. The next enrollment period starts on October 1, 2025. For more information and updates, visitdoee.dc.gov/liheap.
• Residential Essential Services (RES), also known as the Utility Discount Program (UDP) assists residents reduce utility costs through bill discounts. If you use natural gas to heat your home, you may qualify for monthly discounts during the heating season (November 1 to April 30) and a 50% discount on the Customer Charge from May to October. UDP is accepting applications until September 30. Apply online at doee.dc.gov/udp.
For more information on energy assistance and payment programs in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, please visit washingtongascares.com.
