Bills for natural gas customers averaged 20 percent higher in January in comparison to last year. The price of natural gas has increased approximately 38 percent this year in comparison to last year, and usage has increased due to very cold temperatures this winter. According to National Weather Service data, the November through January period was the coldest in four years. Gas prices have increased even more for February due to the high demand for natural gas.
Customers can take some of the following energy-saving steps to conserve gas usage during the winter months.
• Replace or clean furnace filters once a month.
• Set your thermostat at 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Lowering it to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at bedtime or when you will be away for any length of time. (Older adults may want to raise the thermostat to prevent hypothermia.)
• Insulate or add weather-stripping around doors and windows.
• Keep the fireplace damper closed unless a fire is lit.
• Replace an older furnace with a high efficiency furnace.
• Turn down the hot water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
More information is available regarding energy saving tips and other utility services at the City’s website under the Residential/Utilities tab. Customer Service also may be reached at 402.727.2600 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.