Residents in Charlotte, North Carolina, are expressing concern over significant increases in their monthly bills from Piedmont Natural Gas, coinciding with ongoing winter weather in the region. Many customers report seeing their bills double, with some families experiencing shocking hikes despite efforts to conserve energy.
Kelly McWeenie shared her frustration, stating her bill surged from $300 to $600, despite her family’s attempts to limit their heating use. “We really hadn’t been using any more heat than normal. We had held off on turning the heat on when we could,” she explained.
Tony Franco echoed similar sentiments, noting that he hadn’t monitored his bills closely since the previous year but observed a consistent increase since fall, potentially doubling the costs. His uncertainty about the reasons behind this rise reflects widespread confusion among consumers.
To combat rising costs, experts suggest various energy-saving strategies, including using drapes to insulate homes, regularly changing air filters, setting water heaters to 120 degrees, and sealing drafts to enhance energy efficiency.
Both McWeenie and Franco plan to scrutinize their bills more closely in the coming months to identify any discrepancies, particularly to find out if this rise correlates with a potential rate increase from Piedmont Natural Gas. The ongoing winter conditions and these rising bills underscore the importance of monitoring utility expenses closely.
As the community navigates these unexpected financial challenges, it serves as a reminder of the need for proactive budgeting and awareness of energy consumption, especially during the colder months.