GASTONIA, N.C. – While fall temperatures seem to make a late entrance in North Carolina, cooler weather is on the way. To reduce natural gas use and costs during the colder season ahead, Dominion Energy is encouraging customers to consider weatherization projects and Dominion Energy programs designed to help them manage their energy costs.

“With the uptick in natural gas prices in recent months, customers can take some simple steps now to reduce their bills this heating season,” said Rusty Harris, Vice President and General Manager of Dominion Energy’s natural gas business in North Carolina. “Energy efficiency will always help customers reduce use and save money, and programs like ThermWise and Budget Billing make managing natural gas use easy.”

Weatherization and other upgrades can help customers reduce their natural gas use:

• Measure attic insulation. Ensure attic insulation is at least 12 inches deep. Add more insulation (R-38 or higher) if needed. 
• Caulk, seal and weather-strip. Check for drafts around all seams, cracks and openings. Caulk and seal around windows and replace old weather stripping around doors.
• Install a smart thermostat. Programmable or smart thermostats automatically lowers the temperature even further than the recommended 68 degrees during the heating season while no one is home, or overnight. Customers are eligible for a $50 rebate if they install an ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostat.

• Consider our weatherization assistance program. This program offers free in-home energy assessments and the installation of natural gas-saving measures to income-qualifying residential customers.
• Take advantage of ThermWise. For a full range of Dominion Energy’s efficiency programs, including a discounted gas rate, rebates and more, visit DominionEnergy.com/ThermWise.

Customers can have more control over their natural gas use with these tools and resources:

• Sign-up for Budget Billing. Eligible customers can avoid monthly bill fluctuations by signing up for Budget Billing. With Budget Billing, Dominion Energy estimates the customers’ bills for the next 12 months and spreads that amount into equal payments based on usage the previous year.
• Keep tabs on natural gas usage. Customers wanting to track their natural gas consumption and make more informed energy choices will benefit from the “My Energy Use” tool. The tool allows customers to see average daily natural gas usage, average costs and the impact changing weather has on energy consumption. Customers can access the tool by logging into their DominionEnergy.com account and clicking on the My Energy Use link.   

For help with payment assistance and plans, visit DominionEnergy.com/Assistance.

About Dominion Energy

About 7 million customers in 15 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to safely providing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy and to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.