Wednesday, June 18, 2003
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Wednesday, June 18, 2003 |
Surviving high natural gas pricesSeveral months ago, industry experts predicted that natural gas prices would remain high going into summer. Marketers' June prices, recently filed with the Commission, indicate that the predictions of high summer prices have become a reality. What can you, as a consumer, do to maintain reasonable gas bills during warm and hot weather? Following is a list of tips that will help you "survive high natural gas prices." * Make sure your hot water heater is functioning properly. Check for leaks. * Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater. Insulating your hot water heater will keep the water hot longer. * Check your home's heating/cooling thermostat functionality. Make sure that the furnace and air conditioner are not running simultaneously. It's also a good idea to change your gas cooling system's filter. * Reduce the number of showers you take per day; shorten the time you spend taking a shower. * Serve foods that don't require cooking, such as salads and/or sandwiches. If you must cook, consider preparing vegetables or meats that don't require a lot of cooking time, or maybe cooking casseroles. * Have your stove serviced to insure that it functions efficiently. * Shop comparatively for your marketer to make sure you're getting the best value for your dollars. If you have any questions, contact the Consumer Affairs Unit of the Georgia Public Service Commission at: gapsc@psc.state.ga.us (e-mail). 800-282-5813, press 1 (outside metro Atlanta). 404-656-4501, press 1 (local). 404-463-6683 (fax).
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