Understanding Your Energy Use and Winter Bills

Cold weather can increase energy use, even when your habits stay the same. Learn what affects winter bills, how to manage energy use and where to find help.

WHY YOUR BILL MAY BE HIGHER THIS WINTER

This winter has brought long stretches of very cold temperatures. When it stays this cold, heating systems must run longer to keep homes comfortable. Even small drops in outdoor temperature can quickly increase how much energy a home uses each day.

At the same time, the price utilities pay to purchase natural gas has risen dramatically. When extreme cold increases demand, the cost of gas rises across the country. Because customers pay the actual cost of the natural gas used, higher purchase prices can directly affect monthly bills.

Together, these factors can result in higher bills, even if your household routines and thermostat settings have not changed.

Why Colder Days Use More Energy

Even when your thermostat stays the same, colder outdoor temperatures can increase how much energy your home uses.

Heating your home this much needs a lot more energy.

Heating your home this much needs less energy.

Why Colder Days Use More Energy

For example, heating a home from 35°F to 68°F takes much more energy than heating it from 55°F to 68°F — even when the thermostat setting does not change.

Simple Ways to Use Less Energy

Even during very cold weather, small changes can help manage energy use. You don’t need to do everything — choosing one or two steps can still make a difference.

Use Hot Water Wisely

Block Cold Drafts

Door sweeps or rolled towels can help keep cold air from coming in.

Keep Warm Air Inside

Keep Warm Air Inside

Close doors to unused rooms and make sure windows are fully closed.

Set the Thermostat a Little Lower

Set the Thermostat a Little Lower

Many homes stay comfortable at about 68°, especially with a sweater or blanket.

Keep Outdoor Vents Clear

Keep Outdoor Vents Clear

Gently remove snow or ice from furnace or appliance vents using a broom.

Use Sunlight during the Day

Use Sunlight during the Day

Open curtains when the sun is out. Close them at night to hold in heat.

Use Hot Water Wisely

Use Hot Water Wisely

Shorter showers and a water heater set to about 120° can reduce energy use.

Every home is different, and every small step helps manage energy use over time.

Delaware Homeowners,

now’s your chance to get a no-cost Home Energy Assessment through the Energize Delaware HEC-Program!

  • Learn where your home is wasting energy
  • Receive FREE energy-saving products
  • Get expert advice to boost your home’s efficiency
Schedule Your Free Assessment

Understanding Your Bill

Your energy bill is based on how much natural gas your home used and how long the billing period lasted. Here are three places on your bill that can help you understand it better:

THERMS USED

Therms Used shows how much natural gas your home used during this billing period. When it is very cold, your heating system runs more often. This usually means more therms are used.

Therms Used

BILLING PERIOD

Billing period shows how many days are included in your bill. A billing period with more days means more time your heating system may be running, which can increase overall usage.

BIlling Period

USAGE GRAPH

The Usage Graph lets you compare your energy use from month to month. You’ll often see higher usage during colder months, when heating systems run more often.

Usage Graph

Click below to view an easy-to-read bill sample, which includes a more extensive breakdown of the terminology found on your bill.

View Sample Bill for Delaware
View Sample Bill for Maryland

Help Is Available

If winter energy bills are harder to manage, energy assistance programs may be able to help. These programs are designed to support households during colder months, and availability varies by location.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Delaware

DEAP / LIHEAP
Provides help with home heating costs. Call Delaware 211 or apply online:
https://delaware211.org
https://dhss.delaware.gov

Maryland

Maryland MEAP (OHEP)
Offers assistance with home energy costs.
https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/how-do-you-apply/

211 Maryland
Connects residents with energy assistance and other local support programs.
https://211md.org/resources/utility-assistance/?utm_source=Home&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=211Resources&utm_content=Utility

BEFORE THE NEXT COLD SNAP

There are also options that can help make future winter bills more predictable:

Budget Billing

Spreads energy costs more evenly by paying a similar amount each month.

Energize Delaware (Delaware only)

Offers home energy checkups and rebates that may help reduce energy use.
https://energizedelaware.org/residential/residential-grants-rebates/

Payment Extension

Need more time to pay your bill? For expanded billing and payment options and assistance agencies, call 1.800.427.2883 or complete this form. All extensions must be requested before the bill due date.

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