Why Your Bill May Be Higher This Winter

Understanding Your Natural Gas Use and Winter Bills

WHY YOUR BILL MAY BE HIGHER THIS WINTER

Winter in Florida looks different than winter in most parts of the country, but natural gas use can still increase this time of year. Cooler mornings and evenings, shorter days and seasonal activities like space heating and increased hot water use can all affect your bill. Understanding what drives winter energy use can help you manage costs and plan ahead.

Even without freezing temperatures, several factors can contribute to higher winter natural gas or bills in Florida.

  • Cooler Temperatures and Home Heating
  • Even modest drops in temperature can cause furnaces, wall heaters or gas fireplaces to run more frequently, especially during early mornings and evenings.
  • Increased Hot Water Use
  • Colder weather often leads to longer showers and more frequent hot water use, increasing natural gas or propane consumption.
  • Cooking and Seasonal Activities
  • Holiday cooking, entertaining and spending more time at home can increase use of gas or propane appliances.
  • Shorter Days and Lifestyle Changes
  • More time indoors can mean greater use of appliances that rely on natural gas or propane, such as dryers, ranges and water heaters.

These factors can raise winter natural gas bills — even when habits don’t change much.

Why Cooler Days Can Increase Natural Gas Use

Even small changes in outdoor temperature can increase energy use.

For example, heating indoor air or water when it’s 50°F outside requires more energy than when it’s 70°F — even if your thermostat or water heater setting stays the same. The greater the difference between the outdoor temperature and your comfort setting, the harder your system must work and the more fuel it uses.

Lower Energy Use
Less Natural Gas Needed

Much Higher Energy Use
More Natural Gas Needed

Why Cooler Days Can Increase Natural Gas Use
Why Cooler Days Can Increase Natural Gas Use

Simple Ways to Manage Winter Natural Gas Use

You don’t need to make major changes to see an impact. Choosing just one or two of these tips can help manage natural gas use during the winter months.

Use Appliances Mindfully

Use Appliances Mindfully

Run dryers and dishwashers with full loads and follow manufacturer recommendations for efficient operation.

Seal Drafts and Retain Heat

Seal Drafts and Retain Heat

Closing curtains at night, sealing air leaks around doors and windows and keeping interior doors closed can help your home stay warmer longer.

Cook Efficiently

Cook Efficiently

Use appropriately sized cookware, keep lids on pots and turn burners off a few minutes early to take advantage of residual heat.

Manage Hot Water Use

Manage Hot Water Use

Shorter showers, fixing leaky faucets and washing laundry with cold water when possible can reduce the amount of gas or propane needed to heat water.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Adjust Your Thermostat

Lowering your thermostat by a few degrees and using light layers or blankets can help reduce fuel use while maintaining comfort.

Discover Ways To Save

Take Advantage of our Free Home Energy Checkup

A few small changes in your daily routine can really lower your energy bill. FPU’s free home energy checkups provide you with information to understand your energy costs and take control of your savings. Discover ways to save energy and money with a free energy checkup for your home!

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Upfront Savings Available

The More You Add, The More You Save

Upgrade with energy-saving natural gas appliances and earn rebates on every eligible appliance you install. Total savings can exceed $1,000 toward your purchase.

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Understanding Your Natural Gas Bill

Your natural gas bill is based on how much fuel your home used and the length of the billing period. These sections can help you better understand your charges:

THERMS OR GALLONS USED

This shows how much natural gas (measured in therms) your home used during the billing period. Increased use of heating systems, water heaters or appliances will raise this number.

Therms or Gallons Used

BILLING PERIOD

The billing period shows how many days are included on your bill. A longer billing cycle can result in higher total usage simply because it covers more days.

Billing Period

USAGE HISTORY OR GRAPH

This section allows you to compare your fuel use from month to month. Many customers see seasonal increases during winter due to heating and hot water use.

Usage History or Graph

Click below to view an easy to read bill sample, which includes a more detailed explanation of the terms found on your bill.

Help Is Available

If higher winter natural gas bills are difficult to manage, Florida Public Utilities offers programs and resources to help support customers experiencing financial hardship.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Energy Assistance Programs

Income eligible households may qualify for assistance through local social service agencies that partner with Florida Public Utilities. Support may include bill payment help, emergency assistance, and community resource referrals.

Call 800.427.7712 to learn about programs available in your area.

Payment Extensions

Need more time to pay your bill? Customers may request a payment extension for short term flexibility. All extensions must be requested before the bill due date.

Call 800.427.7712 or submit a request at
fpuc.com.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Some gas customers may qualify for LIHEAP, a federally funded program that helps with home energy costs. Availability and eligibility vary by county.

To apply, visit: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Budget Billing

Budget Billing helps make monthly bills more predictable by averaging energy costs throughout the year. Enrollment is free and available to eligible customers in good standing.

Free Home Energy Programs

FPU’s free home energy checkups and energy efficiency programs provide helpful information to better understand your energy use and identify ways to save. Learn more about these cost saving programs at: Home Energy Programs – Florida Public Utilities.

Reach Our Team

Have questions about your natural gas or propane bill or need personalized support? Please fill out the form below, and one of our team members will be in touch to help you:

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