As summer comes to a close and customers begin preparing for cooler temperatures this fall, Atmos Energy wants the public to be aware that the cost of all energy sources has increased.
Based on current market prices, your monthly natural gas bills are expected to be higher this winter.
As a regulated utility, Atmos Energy cannot earn a profit off the natural gas delivered;
Atmos are only allowed to pass through its cost to customers. Atmos Energy is committed to delivering safe, reliable and efficient natural gas to its valued customers.
Consider taking steps now to help control the energy use and manage the natural gas bills for the upcoming winter heating season.
Winter weather can cause your bills to rise unexpectedly as your usage naturally increases.
That’s why Atmos Energy offers Budget Billing which helps you manage your monthly household budget. This plan spreads out your natural gas bills throughout the year, so you are not surprised with high winter gas bills. Budget Billing is based on a rolling,12-month average of your bill and adjusts each month. Atmos Energy monitors your account each month to ensure you are paying an average of what you owe. The Budget Bill amount due is recalculated each billing cycle based on the usage and the cost of natural gas, which will cause the payment amount to fluctuate somewhat from month to month.
Budget Billing is not a discount program. It does however provide you with a more predictable amount due every month. Each month’s bill includes the current month’s charges and the monthly budget amount due.
Atmos also includes the total budget balance, which is the balance of all charges and payments, so that the customer can keep track of their account.
If the customer is late making a payment, the budget billing plan can end, which will result in a bill for any deferred, budget billing charges. To sign up for Budget Billing, please log in to the Account Center. Residential customers only and qualifications apply. If a customer is struggling to pay a past due balance, assistance is available. Atmos Energy is here to help customers find solutions to pay their natural gas bill. If a customer is struggling to pay a past due balance, assistance is available. Atmos Energy is here to help you find solutions to pay your natural gas bill. Even if you have not qualified in the past, financial assistance from federal, state, and local programs is available through energy assistance agencies and state housing authorities. Atmos Energy and our customers partner to provide funds through our Sharing the Warmth program. During the past year, over $4.6 million has been provided to support customers in need. In May, 2021, the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) released additional funds to all states and territories to pay utility bills.
To locate an energy assistance agency near you, please call 211 or visit www.atmosenergy. com/ customer-service/bill- paymentassistance.
Atmos offers energy saving tips for the home and businesses.
--In the winter, lower your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 58 degrees when you are away from home. --Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees. Water heating accounts for as much as 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home. --Unplug electronic devices and turn off lights that are not in use. --Reduce your shower time and take baths only when necessary. Showering and bathing can account for 40 percent of your home’s hot water use. --Operate your clothes washer, dryer, and dishwasher only when fully loaded. --Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Leaving the damper open is like keeping a window wide open, warm air goes right up the chimney! --If you have a pool, do not use the pool heater. Instead, run your pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate the water and prevent freezing.
For energy saving measures for a business, please visit www.atmosenergy.com/ways-tosave/ business-savings.
Atmos customer service hours are from 7 a.m until 6 p.m. (Central) Monday through Friday and can be reached at 888.286.6700.
If anyone suspects a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately and from a safe distance, call 911 and the 24/7 Atmos Energy emergency number at866.322.8667.