Charlotte, North Carolina, January 17, 2026
As harsh winter temperatures grip Charlotte and surrounding areas, Piedmont Natural Gas urges its customers to adopt energy-saving strategies. With over 1.2 million customers across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, the company highlights practical measures to optimize heating systems and reduce natural gas consumption. Recommendations include thermostat adjustments, sealing air leaks, and utilizing natural sunlight. Additionally, support programs are available for those struggling with utility bills, ensuring that households can manage costs effectively during this frigid period.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Energy Conservation Urged Amidst Frigid Temperatures
Piedmont Natural Gas is advising its more than 1.2 million customers across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee to adopt energy-saving practices as frigid temperatures continue to impact the region. These recommendations are designed to help households manage their heating costs and maintain comfort during periods of increased natural gas demand. By implementing simple changes, customers can significantly reduce their energy consumption and associated expenses.
Importance of Efficient Energy Use
As cold weather persists, heating systems are required to work harder, leading to higher energy consumption and potentially increased utility bills. Proactive energy conservation not only helps in managing household budgets but also contributes to the overall efficiency and reliability of natural gas services. Taking steps to improve home energy efficiency is a key strategy for mitigating the financial impact of colder temperatures.
Practical Energy-Saving Measures for Your Home
Several effective strategies can be employed immediately to enhance energy efficiency and reduce natural gas usage.
Smart Thermostat Management
Adjusting your thermostat is among the most impactful ways to lower energy bills. It is recommended to set thermostats to the lowest comfortable temperature. Utilizing a smart or programmable thermostat allows for automatic temperature reductions during sleeping hours or when the home is unoccupied, optimizing energy use without constant manual adjustments. Reducing the thermostat setting by just one degree below 70 degrees Fahrenheit can result in energy savings of 1% to 3%. Lowering it from 70 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, could lead to savings of up to 6% on monthly bills.
Optimizing Your Home Environment
Maximizing natural sunlight is an effective, no-cost method to warm your home. Keep drapes and blinds open on sunny winter days to allow solar heat to penetrate. Conversely, close window coverings at night to create an insulating barrier that helps prevent heat from escaping.
Sealing air leaks is a crucial step in improving home efficiency. Cracks and openings around windows, exterior doors, and other areas such as attics and basements can lead to significant heat loss. Applying caulk, sealants, and weatherstripping to these gaps can reduce heating and cooling bills by 10% to 20%.
For homes with ceiling fans, reversing their direction to operate clockwise can help distribute warm air. This action pushes warm air, which naturally rises, back down into the living space, making the room feel warmer. If you have a fireplace, ensure the chimney damper is closed when not in use. An open damper acts as an escape route for warm air generated by your heating system.
Appliance and System Efficiency
Regular maintenance of your heating system is vital for optimal performance. Dirty air filters force heating systems to work harder, consuming more energy. Replacing air filters regularly ensures unrestricted airflow and efficient operation. It is also beneficial to have a qualified technician inspect and clean your heating system before the winter season. Additionally, ensure that registers and vents are not blocked by furniture or rugs, which can hinder airflow and reduce heating effectiveness.
Managing your water heater temperature is another area for savings. Setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit is often sufficient for household needs and can reduce energy consumption. Customers might also consider installing on-demand or tankless water heaters, which only heat water when needed.
Longer-Term Home Improvements
For more substantial and lasting energy savings, homeowners should consider inspecting and improving their home’s insulation. Ensuring that walls and ceilings are insulated to recommended levels for the area can significantly prevent heat loss. Scheduling a professional home energy audit can also provide personalized recommendations for improvements, helping identify specific areas where energy could be saved.
Customer Support and Financial Assistance Programs
Piedmont Natural Gas offers several tools and programs designed to help customers monitor their energy use and manage their bills, especially during periods of high demand.
The Equal Payment Plan (EPP) allows customers to pay a consistent monthly amount based on annual usage projections, helping to avoid seasonal fluctuations in billing and making budget management easier.
For those needing financial support, the Share the Warmth program provides assistance with utility bills through partnerships with local agencies. Another resource is the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), offering aid to eligible households.
Customers can access online tools such as a portal to view their monthly usage history, helping them identify usage trends and opportunities for savings. The Energy Advisor tool offers personalized recommendations based on specific home data, and online calculators are available to estimate annual costs for water heating, cooking, and clothes drying. These resources empower customers to make informed decisions about their energy consumption and spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary energy-saving tips from Piedmont Natural Gas for cold weather?
The primary tips include adjusting thermostats to the lowest comfortable temperature, utilizing natural sunlight by opening drapes during the day and closing them at night, regularly replacing air filters, setting water heater temperatures to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, sealing air leaks with caulk and weatherstripping, and reversing ceiling fan direction to push warm air downward.
How much can I save by lowering my thermostat?
Lowering your thermostat by one degree below 70 degrees Fahrenheit can save 1% to 3% on energy expenses. Going from 70 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit can save up to 6% on your monthly bill.
What are the benefits of sealing air leaks?
Sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings with caulk, sealants, and weatherstripping can reduce heating and cooling bills by 10% to 20%.
Does Piedmont Natural Gas offer financial assistance for energy bills?
Yes, Piedmont Natural Gas offers financial assistance programs such as the Equal Payment Plan (EPP) for consistent monthly billing, the Share the Warmth program for utility bill assistance through local agencies, and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) for eligible households.
Which states does Piedmont Natural Gas serve?
Piedmont Natural Gas serves over 1.2 million customers across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Key Energy-Saving Features
| Feature | Description | Potential Benefit | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermostat Adjustment | Set to lowest comfortable temperature (e.g., 68°F). Use programmable/smart thermostats. | 1-3% savings per degree below 70°F; up to 6% monthly bill savings. | State-level (NC, SC, TN) |
| Utilize Natural Sunlight | Open drapes/blinds during sunny days, close at night. | Passive heating, reduces need for furnace use. | State-level (NC, SC, TN) |
| Seal Air Leaks | Caulk, seal, and weatherstrip cracks around windows, doors, and other openings. | 10-20% reduction in heating/cooling bills. | State-level (NC, SC, TN) |
| Water Heater Temperature | Set water heater to 120°F. | Reduces energy consumption for water heating. | State-level (NC, SC, TN) |
| Air Filter Replacement | Regularly replace dirty air filters. | Ensures heating system efficiency; prevents harder work. | State-level (NC, SC, TN) |
| Ceiling Fan Direction | Set fans to rotate clockwise in winter. | Pushes warm air downward for better distribution. | State-level (NC, SC, TN) |
| Financial Assistance Programs | Equal Payment Plan (EPP), Share the Warmth, Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). | Helps manage seasonal bills and provides aid. | State-level (NC, SC, TN) |
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