PSE&G Lowers Natural Gas Bills 2%

On Dec 30, 2019

PSE&G will lower residential gas bills for its residential customers effective Jan. 1, 2020. This reduction is in addition to a reduction that took effect Oct. 1, 2019.

The reduction reflects the continued decline in natural gas prices. Lower gas prices, combined with PSE&G’s ability to efficiently manage its gas supply contracts and purchases, have produced cost savings that the utility will pass along to customers. Residential gas bills today are 50% lower than they were in 2008.

With the new rates, the gas supply charge will decrease from 34 cents per therm to 32 cents. The typical residential gas heating customer will save about $21 per year, representing an annual savings of approximately 2% on their total gas bill.

“This reduction will provide a much-needed positive impact for our customers as temperatures are dropping and customers try to keep their winter heating bills affordable,” said Michael Schmid, PSE&G’s vice president of Asset Management & Centralized Services.

In addition to the price decrease, the utility offers a list of steps that customers can take to reduce their costs even further:

• Lower your thermostat by just 1 degree. You’ll hardly notice and this may reduce your heating bill by up to 3%. Save even more by lowering your thermostat 2 degrees during the day and 5 to 10 degrees at bedtime, if health conditions permit. Consider a programmable or smart thermostat to adjust settings automatically.
• Everyone loves a cozy fire on cold days, but make sure to close fireplace dampers when not in use. This will help prevent warm air from escaping your home.
• Ceiling fans aren’t just for the summer. In the winter, you want the ceiling fan to slowly spin clockwise to push the air upward toward the ceiling. This will circulate warm air near the ceiling down the walls and toward the occupants in the room.
• Replace old windows. Replace old, drafty windows with new energy-efficient windows for added insulation and reduced heat loss.
• Rearrange the room. Move furniture and drapes away from heating registers, radiators and baseboard element covers. Open register or baseboard dampers to allow for maximum heat.
• Seal windows and doorframes. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal cracks and prevent drafts. While you’re at it, install draft stoppers beneath doors. You can get them at your local hardware or home improvement store. Also be sure to remove or cover window air conditioners to reduce drafts.

Want to learn more ways to save money and energy? Visit the PSE&G Home Energy Analyzer, where you can calculate the energy efficiency of your home and find out how to save energy and money on appliances and heating systems.

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