Stay warm, stay smart!
Follow our hints: tips, tools, programs and rebates to help you save on your energy use.
How the cold weather affects your energy use
Cold weather plays a major role in increasing your natural gas usage, which can have a big impact on your bill. Understand how:
During colder months, your heating system has to work longer to maintain the indoor temperature. Every degree lower on your thermostat can save you money!
When it’s cold, colder water enters your water heater, which requires more energy to heat. A hot shower is just like a good cup of coffee: it takes some time to get perfect!
Spending more time at home can lead to higher energy use for heating and appliances. On the plus side, more time at home means more chances to perfect your hot cocoa recipe...
Older or less efficient gas heating systems, as well as poor insulation or drafts around windows and doors, can cause higher energy use.
During the winter, you might find yourself cooking and baking more often, which can increase your gas usage if you have a gas stove or oven. Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked cookies on a cold day!
Using a gas fireplace to keep warm can also contribute to higher gas usage during the colder months. There’s nothing like the ambiance of a fireplace – just make sure to snuggle up responsibly!
Manage your energy use and bill
We help you to keep track of your natural gas usage and manage your energy bill, so you can make smarter decisions and save all winter long.
Energy Analyzer
With Energy Analyzer, you can: track your energy use daily, see how your use compares to similar homes and get personalized tips to reduce your energy use.
Budget Billing
Enroll in Budget Billing to balance your energy costs throughout the year and avoid surprises during the heating season.
CEAP is taking applications.
CEAP is an energy assistance program that helps residents pay for their home heating costs. You can apply through the Connecticut government website or your local community agency.
Tips to reduce energy use
A few simple tweaks can make a big difference in your usage
Making small changes to your thermostat can save you a lot! Keeping the temperature at 65° during the day can reduce heating use by up to 15%.
Consider installing a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat. You can lower temperatures when you and your family are not at home. Don’t miss our thermostat selection on the Smart Solutions page.
Look for and seal any leaks in your ductwork. A simple roll of duct tape from your local hardware store can do the trick! If you want a professional touch, this service is fully covered by our Home Energy Solutions service.
Clean your filters or replace them once a month to increase performance. A clean filter is like a breath of fresh air for your furnace.
Roll up a small rug or towel and place it across the bottom of your door to prevent cold air from sneaking in. Check for drafts in windows too.
Close heat registers in rooms you’re not using, but make sure the temperature stays above freezing to protect your pipes. It’s cold out there, keep the warmth where you need it most.
If you use natural gas heat, consider switching to a high-efficiency gas furnace, which can reduce gas use significantly.
Set your water heater to 120°F. Many are preset at 140°F, which uses more energy than necessary. Lowering the temperature is like turning down the heat on your energy bill!
Bring in the pros
Wouldn’t it be great if you could have an expert give your home an energy checkup and do some of the work right then and there? You can. Check out our Home Energy Solutions Service.
We are here to help
Managing a higher bill during the winter can be challenging and we understand that. Visit our Help with Bill page and check the programs available for our Connecticut customers.
Understand your bill
Learn how your bill is calculated and explore the available rates for you.
Your home. Our protection.
Keep your home heating system operating efficiently and safely with our service plans.
Come see us in-person
Sometimes, a face-to-face chat is just easier. Check out our upcoming community events—we’re here for you!
Stress-free season
Whether you're hitting the slopes or staying in by the fire, our digital tools have you covered.
eBill
With our paperless eBill service, your energy bill arrives safely in your inbox — no snow boots required. Login now and go to ‘Preferences’.
AutoPay
AutoPay takes care of your bill automatically, so you can focus on what really matters - spending time with your loved ones. Login now and go to ‘Preferences’.
Mobile App
Check your bill, make payments and report outages — anytime, anywhere, even from the ski lodge.