It can be confusing to see a spike in your Nicor Gas bill during the summer. Since natural gas is primarily used for heating, most customers expect their bills to be at their lowest during warmer months. When you're not running your furnace, what could possibly be driving up your gas consumption and costs?
While summer gas usage is typically low, several factors can lead to an unexpectedly high bill. These can range from increased use of gas-powered appliances to billing adjustments and changes in the market price of natural gas. Understanding these potential causes is the first step to managing your summer energy costs.
Increased Use of Summer Gas Appliances
Even without the furnace running, several household appliances that use natural gas can see more activity in the summer, contributing to higher consumption:
- Water Heaters: With more people at home during the day, or more laundry from outdoor activities, your gas water heater may be working harder than you think.
- Gas Dryers: Similarly, more laundry means more cycles for your gas-powered clothes dryer.
- Pool and Spa Heaters: A gas heater for a pool or hot tub is a major consumer of natural gas. Keeping your pool warm can significantly increase your summer gas bill.
- Gas Grills and Fire Pits: While a single barbecue won't break the bank, frequent use of an outdoor gas grill or fire pit connected to your home's line adds up over the billing cycle.
The Impact of Estimated Meter Reads
One of the most common reasons for a sudden bill spike is the use of estimated meter readings. Nicor Gas may sometimes estimate your usage based on historical data rather than performing an actual read of your meter. If your usage was underestimated in previous months, a subsequent bill based on an actual meter read will include the difference, resulting in a "catch-up" charge that appears as a spike.
You can learn more about this process by reading our guide on estimated meter reads. If you suspect your bill is incorrect, it's important to know how to verify its accuracy.
Changes in Gas Supply Charges and Delivery Rates
Your total bill is composed of two main parts: the cost of the gas itself (supply charge) and the cost to deliver it to your home (delivery service charge). Both of these can change.
- Gas Supply Charge: The cost of natural gas fluctuates based on market supply and demand. Increased demand for electricity generation on hot days (often powered by natural gas) can drive up the wholesale price, which is then passed on to consumers.
- Delivery Rate Adjustments: Nicor Gas periodically requests rate adjustments, approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission, to fund infrastructure maintenance and upgrades. These approved rate hikes can increase the delivery portion of your bill, leading to a higher overall cost even if your usage stays the same.
How to Manage Your Summer Gas Bill
If you're concerned about your summer gas costs, take a proactive approach. Lower the temperature on your water heater, wash clothes in cold water when possible, and cover your pool to reduce heat loss. You can also contact Nicor Gas to provide an actual meter reading to avoid surprises from estimated bills. Reviewing the details on your bill can help you understand what part of the cost has changed—the supply, the delivery, or your usage.