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Tips for saving energy | Understanding price increases | Ways we can help
- Stay cozy by insulating and sealing outer walls, ceilings, windows, doors and floors.
- Let hot air flow freely by keeping clutter away from registers, heaters and radiators.
- Avoid the fall rush by having your furnace inspected in late summer or early fall.
- Keep cold air out by closing your fireplace damper when it’s not in use.
- Manage your home’s energy use even when you’re away with a programmable thermostat.
- Bonus tip: Find rebates for this energy-saving device by visiting our rebates and offers section.
- Save on water-heating costs by taking showers instead of baths.
- Conserve hot water by pre-rinsing dishes and clothes in cold water.
- Boil water faster by covering your pot.
- Heat water more efficiently with a water heater that’s the right size for your home.
- Use less water by only doing full loads of dishes and laundry.
- Prevent energy waste by never cooking with a flame that exceeds a pan’s width.
- Give your gas range a break and preheat the oven only when necessary.
- Cook vegetables faster by cooking them in a small amount of water.
- Maintain a consistent oven temperature by keeping the door closed. Each time it’s opened, it loses 20 percent of its heat.
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Understanding price increases that will impact your winter heating bills
From the groceries we purchase to the cost of lumber, prices for goods and services are higher. And in the coming fall and winter months — when you use more natural gas for warmth and heat — you may notice an increase in your natural gas bill.
It’s helpful to know that the cost you pay for natural gas is the cost Spire pays – with no markup to you. That’s why managing your natural gas usage is the first step in managing your costs — because how much gas you use impacts your bill.
What’s driving the increase in prices?
First, let’s look at what’s driving the increase in the cost of goods. Many factors are influencing the prices of items and services we use. The price we pay for natural gas is reflected on your bill as the natural gas cost, with no markup passed along to our customers. You pay what we pay.
And to get the best possible prices for our customers, we continuously monitor the natural gas market and its fluctuating natural gas prices.
Lately, natural gas prices have increased due to:
- Recent international events impacting the global supply of natural gas mean it costs more for Spire to purchase natural gas for our customers.
- Increased demand for natural gas due to hot summer months – Natural gas is used to generate electricity to keep homes and businesses cool. So as temperatures rose during heat waves this summer, so did the demand for natural gas. Higher demand means rising natural gas costs.
- Inflation – The U.S. and other countries around the world are experiencing a period of inflation, meaning the prices that individuals and companies pay for goods and services have increased during a period of high demand or limited supply.
If you're worried about how to pay higher winter bills, help is available through Spire's team of dedicated community support specialists. View all programs and apply today.
Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat makes it even easier to save money and energy at home. You may even be eligible for a programmable thermostat rebate.