FAQs

• How would storms such as Sandy that cut electricity to millions in the Northeast affect me as a natural gas customer?  

  How would storms such as Sandy that cut electricity to millions in the Northeast affect me as a natural gas customer?

  Unlike the electric grid which consists of wires and poles, natural gas is delivered via underground pipeline that generally is not affected by storms such as Sandy. However, most heating systems require electricity to operate fans, pumps and the distribution of heat so you may want to consider a natural gas generator.

  Further, there is no need for delivery trucks to get through blocked roads or for you to maintain oil tanks in your home.

• What about the weather and the “weather normalization fee”?  

  What about the weather and the “weather normalization fee”?

  There is no weather normalization fee as part of the rate structure for gas companies in Connecticut. Therefore, if the weather is warmer, and you use less energy to heat your home, you save money. It's as simple as that!

• What else should I know about converting to natural gas?  

  What else should I know about converting to natural gas?

  Because it burns cleaner and is more efficient, natural gas is better for the environment, and natural gas efficiency programs can save energy and reduce carbon emissions even more.

  With natural gas, there is no need for a storage tank. This allows customers to free-up space in their basements, and for tanks that are underground, costly liabilities can be avoided from tank removal. Most natural gas is produced in North America so there is less dependence on foreign oil.

• Shouldn’t I consider equipment efficiency and not just price over the longer term?  

  Shouldn’t I consider equipment efficiency and not just price over the longer term?

  Yes. With natural gas you benefit from both price and efficiency. Whether for the home or business, natural gas is the most efficient choice. So look beyond which energy source costs more (or less) from year to year and do consider system efficiency.

  Natural gas furnaces & boilers are up to 96% efficient. What's more, natural gas boilers maintain high efficiency ratings and offer higher combustion efficiency over time without loss of efficiency due to soot build up inside the boiler as a result of burning oil.

  The Home Energy Solutions program is a great place to start finding ways to save energy at home. It's a home energy assessment performed by a utility-authorized contractor who makes on-the-spot improvements, including caulking and sealing of critical air leaks and provides exclusive money-saving rebates on appliances, heating and cooling systems and more. A modest fee is collected at the time of service and your income may be eligible for a free energy assessment. Call 877.WISE.USE (877.947.3873) to speak with an energy professional during business hours.

• With oil price fluctuations recently, how much will I really save when converting to natural gas?  

  With oil price fluctuations recently, how much will I really save when converting to natural gas?

  Even with recent oil price fluctuations, natural gas continues to be the more affordable energy option. Most natural gas used in North America is domestically produced – so it’s not subject to the same swings and spikes seen in world oil markets – making it the more affordable and stable choice for heating your home. Use our easy Energy Calculator to see just how much you could save by making the switch.