Most Americans are just like you – they use natural gas heat to warm their homes and families. Using energy wisely and taking the time to just check little things will make a big difference in how much you spend on your natural gas bill. Below are a few tips to help you plan how to conserve energy and save money.

Keep the Cold Out
    Consumers can take easy, inexpensive steps to reduce household energy consumption and minimize energy loss. Reducing air leaks could cut as much as 10 percent from an average household’s monthly energy bill. For example, consumers can seal leaks around doors, windows, and other openings such as pipes or ducts, with caulk or weather stripping. The most common places where air escapes in homes are:

Use Energy Wisely
1. Set thermostats between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter and at 58 degrees when away from the home for more than a few hours. While sleeping, add an extra blanket for warmth. Bear in mind that warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly persons or infants.

2. Turn down thermostats automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat.SAVINGS: Cut annual heating bills by as much as 10 percent per year by turning your thermostat back 10 percent to 15 percent for eight hours per day.

3. Change or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Furnaces consume less energy if they “breathe” more easily. Use receipt of your natural gas bill as a reminder.

4. Warm air rises, so use registers to direct warm air-flow across the floor.

5. Close vents and doors in unused rooms and close dampers on unused fireplaces.

6. Set water heater temperatures at 120 degrees. A family of four, each showering for five minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water each week. By lowering the thermostat on the water heater to 120 degrees, families can cut water heating bills without sacrificing comfort. SAVINGS: Turning down the unit’s thermostat to 120 degrees can help you save money, since water-heating is a typical family’s third-largest energy expense, accounting for about 14 percent of utility bills.

7. Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.

8. If radiators are located near cold walls, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room.

9. Run washing machines and clothes dryers with a full load.

10. On sunny days, open draperies and blinds to let the sun’s warmth in. Close them at night to insulate against cold air outside.

Plan for Long-Term Energy-Efficiency Improvements
1. Check to see if attic and basement have the recommended levels of insulation.

2. Check the heating system and replace old, outdated appliances with high-efficiency natural gas models. When buying new appliances, compare energy-efficiency ratings and annual operating costs.

3. Install storm or thermal windows and doors or double-paned glass. A less expensive alternative is plastic sheeting, which can be temporarily fastened over doors and windows to prevent drafts and retain heat.

Natural Gas Equipment Rebates
    Natural gas heating equipment remains the most energy-efficient. The State of New Jersey is offering substantial rebates up to $450 for the purchase and installation of natural gas equipment.

    To learn more, visit http://www.njcleanenergy.com/html/1residential/2_warm_advantage.html.

Sources for Further Information
    For information on forecasted energy prices, detailed home energy conservation strategies, and energy-efficient home improvement materials, these website can help you prepare for winter:

www.ase.org: The Alliance to Save Energy has posted some tips on its website to help consumers avoid “$ticker $hock” this winter.

www. aga.org: The American Gas Association website is a valuable resource for understanding the benefits and availability of clean, safe, reliable natural gas.

Bill-Payment Programs
    South Jersey Gas offers a FREE budget plan which can help you better manage your money. Our Equal Payment Plan divides your yearly gas costs into 12 equal monthly payments. You know exactly how much to budget for gas, regardless of the weather, because your payment is the same every month. If you still have trouble making timely payments, please call us to establish payment arrangements.

Special Assistance for Low-Income Households
    Financial assistance may be available to help you pay your bills.

HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
Whom does it help?
    Elderly, disabled and low-income residents.

How do I qualify?
    To qualify for HEAP you must:

• Be a New Jersey resident
• Pay heating and/or cooling costs to a fuel supplier
• Pay a landlord for gas or electric or pay rent including utilities
• Have a personal income level that doesn’t exceed 175% of the poverty level

What assistance does HEAP offer?
    HEAP has four types of payments available:

• Automatic payments to Food Stamp recipients
• Emergency energy assistance
• Special energy assistance to other eligible households applying for assistance
• Medically necessary cooling assistance

How much money can I receive?
    Payments vary depending on your income, household size, fuel type and heating region.

How do I apply?
    Contact or visit your local Community Action Program agency. For more information, call
1-800-510-3102. In Cape May, dial 609-522-0231.

LIFELINE
Whom does it help?
    Low-income residents.

How do I qualify?
    To qualify for Lifeline, you must:

• Be a New Jersey resident
• Receive natural gas and/or electricity bills for your principal residence in your name or your spouse’s name
• Be at least 65 years old OR at least 18 years of age and receive Social Security Disability benefits
• Meet income eligibility requirements

You’re automatically eligible for Lifeline if enrolled in:

• Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)
• Medicaid only
• Medical Assistance to the Aged

How much money can I receive?
    You can receive $225 total credit toward a single utility account. If you have both electric and gas, you can receive $112.50 for each account.

How do I apply?
    To enroll for Lifeline, call 1-800-792-9745.

NJ SHARES
Whom does it help?
    Any resident who needs temporary help paying his/her utility bill.

How do I qualify?
    There are NO income requirements for this program.

How much money can I receive?
    Grants of up to $250 may be available to those who are eligible.

How do I apply?
    Contact any of the following agencies

NJ COMFORT PARTNERS
Whom does it help?
    Low-income residents.

How do I qualify?
    To qualify, you must:

• Be a New Jersey resident
• Have a personal income level that doesn’t exceed 175% of the poverty level

What type of assistance does the program offer?
    This program teaches you about conserving energy and shows you how energy saving products can lower your gas bill.

Do I pay for the program?
    No. All efficiency measures and energy education service are provided free of charge. AND, if you owe money on your gas bill and are on a payment plan, you may qualify to receive some form of account balance reduction.

How do I apply?
    For more information, call SJG’s conservation Hotline at 1-800-648-0138.