Is Your Gas Bill Increasing in Charlotte?

As cold temperatures return to the area, some residents are noticing their natural gas bills rising. Sharply. Some Charlotte residents are concered about the cost of keeping their homes warm amid the cold front.

Reports state many Piedmont Natural Gas customers told WCNC Charlotte they have seen a noticeable spike in their gas bills. Many customers claim this is the highest they have ever seen their bills. Some as high as three times their usual. Customers have taken to social media and community groups to share images of their bills, requesting information. But what could be the cause of this?

WCNC Charlotte received a statement from Piedmont Natural Gas regarding the increase and some of the reasoning.

"The weather has been the major driver behind increases Piedmont customers may be seeing in their recent natural gas bills. Higher energy consumption related to colder temperatures is the largest contributor to increases in the average household’s home-heating expenditures during the winter months. The record lows and prolonged duration of the freeze caused heating systems to work harder and for longer periods of time, which will increase energy costs even in homes following conservation measures."

The gas company also states that December brought some of the coldest temperatures the city has seen in years. Plus, the results of the winter storm that brought lots of snow and ice to the Carolinas in January play a role.

Although gas bills can vary and change depending on many factors, further information can be found online. They also offer energy-saving tips and explanations to bill concerns on their site.

The company urges customers to monitor their use in the attemps to keep their home warm, but also get more information on how they can save online.

With the worst of the winter weather slowly getting behind us, we hope to see warmer weather sooner rather than later to help.

Read the full WCNC report here for more details.