Resources
Natural Gas Information and Resources
As colder weather arrives, natural gas costs are forecasted to be higher in the coming months. At S·C·U·D, your monthly gas bills are comprised of two parts: (1) natural gas costs, controlled by the stock market and economic conditions, and (2) operating costs, controlled by utility management. We are working hard to control operating costs but cannot control rising gas prices.
In addition to our mission of offering the best option for energy, we also believe in keeping our customers well informed. Here is a graph showing historical gas costs during Presidential terms.
Be sure to check out this link for more information detailing the rise in current gas costs:
Natural gas prices are rising and could be the most expensive in 13 years this winter
Tips for Saving Money
There are several ways you can conserve and save money by using energy conservation tips, tools, and assistance programs available to help prepare for higher winter bills. Now is a good time to make sure your household is prepared before the cold weather hits!
- Set your thermostat at 68° or lower when you’re home. Every degree below 68° can save 4% on your heating bills.
- When doing laundry, use cold water in your wash and rinse cycles. And, always run fun loads of laundry instead of washing a few pieces of clothing at a time.
- Lower the setting on your thermostat when leaving your home for four hours or more.
- Close garage doors, cover foundation vents, and close off vents and doors to seldom-used rooms.
- Keep curtains and blinds closed at night and on cloudy days; open curtains on sunny days for warmth.
- Stop heat from escaping by closing garage doors, cover foundation vents, and close of vents and doors to seldom-used rooms. Reduced traffic means a warmer, draft-free home.
- Adjust your water heater temperature to 120° or “warm.” It still provides hot water and avoidsscalding. You can also lower it when it’s not in use.
- Seal any areas where air is coming in. These leaky areas can be found around pipes that connect to the outside, chimneys, recessed lights in insulated ceilings and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
Need Assistance?
Many people in our community live with financial hardship. The elderly, disabled, unemployed, or people confronted by sickness or other financial setbacks are often unable to pay for the energy needed to run their homes. Programs are available to provide assistance for heating customer homes in the winter season.
Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC)
Project SAFE helps pay the heating bill for individuals and families who are in emergency situations. Each request for emergency funds will be reviewed by a staff member to ensure a fair distribution to people who qualify and need temporary assistance.
Phone: 865-483-6028
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This program helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. These federal funds assist in managing costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and energy-related minor home repairs.
Website: benefits.gov
Phone: 1-866-674-6327
