CHARLOTTE — You may have already noticed a higher bill after Piedmont Natural Gas temporarily set up a price hike last fall. But after state approval, it is now permanent.
Our news partners at the Charlotte Business Journal reported the permanent hike will allow Piedmont to recover money it lost as natural gas became more expensive.
That means there will be no new increase in North Carolina customer rates because of the commission’s order approving the final rates. Piedmont estimates that the typical residential customer’s average monthly bill will total about $77.77 going forward.
>> Read more here.
For some struggling families, that can be a lot of money to keep a home warm. The bills will be higher for most customers in the winter months when gas is in demand.
Some things you can do to keep those costs low include:
- Using a ceiling fan to circulate the heat.
- If you have a window that gets lots of sunlight, open the blinds to let the heat in.
- Keep the heat in by using weather stripping on doors and windows.
‘That’s a major impact’
There is money available to weatherize your home if you earn less than a certain amount annually.
Blue Ridge Community Action serves Mecklenburg and seven surrounding counties. They help prepare your home so you don’t have to shell out money for utilities and repairs down the road.
>> CLICK HERE for more information on how to apply.
Final weather preps on William Cunningham’s home in west Charlotte means he’ll get to stay warm and pay less for it. Built in 1906, Cunningham said the cost to heat the house jumped 20%-30% since the cold weather set in.
“I’m living on Social Security -- that’s a major impact,” Cunningham said.
He found help through Blue Ridge Community Action. The nonprofit pays for contractors like Rick Taylor to weatherize homes with air-sealing, weather-stripping, and insulation.
Taylor said those minor changes can make a big difference over time.
Blue Ridge Community Action serves Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Mecklenburg, Gaston, Union and Stanly counties. For example, a family of four with an income of $52,400 or less would qualify for the help.
Here’s what you need to apply:
- Proof of identity.
- 12 months of utilities.
- 12 months of income.
- Proof of homeownership, or authorization from your landlord if you rent.
Cunningham said he’s thankful he won’t have to shell out money for utilities and repairs down the road, and if our storm hits this weekend, he told Channel 9 he’ll be ready.
“The old song says let it snow, let it snow, let it snow -- I’ll be in there,” he said.
Blue Ridge Community Action is hosting an application event on Friday at Children and Family Services in uptown Charlotte.
(WATCH BELOW: Duke Energy rate increase to impact how much you pay in utilities)
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