Columbia Gas warns customers about bill Increase

ZANESVILLE, Ohio-  As the weather conditions continue to be bitter, you can expect to pay more to heat your home this winter than you did last year.

Columbia Gas communications manager, Dave Raul says as the temperatures have begun to decrease in number, you can look forward to an increase in your gas bill.

“We want to make sure customers are not surprised when they open their bill and they see that it’s higher than normal. Because of our very bitter cold weather we’ve had really since the end of December, bills will definitely be higher this year than normal. We estimate that for the average customer their January bill will be about $20 more than normal,” said Raul.

Raul said the company understands that customers may have issues with affording a higher bill and wants them to know there are options available to help them.

“If you’re having trouble paying your bill or you think you’re going to have trouble paying your bill, we want you to call us to find out what your options are. Give us a call at 800-344-4077 and our team can look at your options. We have various payment plans for income eligible customers, there are a lot of programs that can help them with their bill as well. We encourage people, don’t wait until you get a disconnection notice. If you think you’re going to have trouble with your bill, give us a call,” said Raul. 

Raul says he’s encourage customers to take advantage of their energy efficiency programs, opening their blinds in the daytime and setting back their thermostat to save quite a bit of energy and cut the gas bill in half.