Making the Most of Natural Gas Utilities

Use programs from natural gas companies to save money on your natural gas bill
By Thomas Langford Natural gas utilities provide a clean and reliable form of energy for businesses like yours. Additionally, rates from natural gas utility companies are often relatively inexpensive. But there are ways you can cut your bill even further.

Making the most of natural gas utilities is relatively easy. In order to start saving money, all you have to do is seek out information about programs from your natural gas supplier that:

1. Offer promotions for converting to a natural gas supply or purchasing appliances that run on natural gas;

2. Detail ways to reduce your gas company bill by conserving energy;

3. And keep your natural gas appliances running as efficiently as possible.

Take advantage of promotions from natural gas suppliers

Natural gas utilities offer all sorts of promotions to encourage the use of natural gas. Also, check with your local gas companies to see if they offer rebates for purchasing new appliances that run on natural gas. Finally, if you're not on natural gas yet, some fuel companies offer valuable incentives for converting to natural gas.
Try:  Virginia Natural Gas gives its customers a $1,000 rebate for converting from electric heating systems to natural gas heating systems. Energy Services of Pensacola offers excellent incentives, including $1,000 for installing a tankless water heater, $400 for upgrading to natural gas heating and $100 for replacing propane appliances with natural gas appliances.

Use tips from gas companies to conserve energy

Most natural gas companies are eager to educate their customers on ways to reduce their energy consumption and cut their bills. Many of the energy-saving tips can be accomplished at little or no cost.
Try:  On the website for Gas South, you will find dozens of simple ways you can cut your natural gas usage and save money on your bill. Ideas include installing a programmable thermostat, covering bare floors and adjusting the settings on appliances such as dishwashers. New Jersey Resources, also known as New Jersey Natural Gas, boasts that its conservation tips can save the average customer more than $300 a year on his or her bill.

Team up with natural gas companies that offer maintenance programs

Another great way to save money is to make sure that your appliances are running properly. Routine maintenance and inspections from natural gas companies and private repair services can catch problems before they start to add up on your bill.
Try:  The Laclede Gas Company will service all your natural gas appliances. Service calls include inspections, cleanings and repairs. Washington Natural Gas is a private company that offers inspections, tune-ups and preseason inspections of natural gas appliances.

• Most natural gas suppliers will visit your location and perform an energy audit to help you conserve. This can be especially beneficial if your business has a lot of appliances that run on natural gas.