
It's cold out!
Learn how to manage your usage during the colder months.
How the cold weather affects your usage
Cold weather plays a major role in increasing your gas usage, which can have a big impact on your bill. Understand how:
When it’s cold outside, your gas heater needs more energy to keep the indoor temperature steady. Understanding what temperature feels just right can help you save and stay cozy.
In the winter, colder water enters your water heater, which requires more energy to heat it. Good things come to those who wait… for hot water!
Spending more time at home can raise energy usage for heating and appliances. We all love cozy nights at home too, but remember: put the lid on your kettle—your tea will be ready faster and use less energy!
Older or less efficient gas heating systems, as well as poor insulation or drafts around windows and doors, can cause higher usage. That’s a bad combination, consider switching to an efficient heating system and check your insulation!
Colder months often mean more cooking and baking, leading to higher gas usage. We love winter baking too! Just be mindful of your usage while creating those delicious treats.
Using a gas fireplace to stay warm can also increase your gas usage during the colder months. Nothing beats a gas fireplace for winter comfort – just remember to turn it off when you’re done.
Manage your energy usage
We can help you keep track of your usage anytime, anywhere.
Tips to reduce consumption
Minor changes can have a major impact.
Small tweaks to your thermostat can lead to big savings! Keeping the temperature at 65°F during the day can cut gas heating use by up to 15%. Just make sure it’s comfortable for you and your family.
Switch to a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat, and set it to lower temperatures when no one’s home. Just don’t forget about your pets, they like to stay toasty too.
Save even more with our Discount Pricing of Wireless Thermostats Program.
Make sure to look for and seal any leaks in your ductwork. Don’t forget to insulate ducts in unheated areas as well.
Keep your furnace running efficiently by cleaning or replacing filters monthly. Think of a clean filter as a spa day for your furnace.
Use a small rug or towel to block drafts at the bottom of doors. Remember to check for drafts in windows as well.
Closing off heat registers in rooms you’re not using, can help you reduce your usage. Just make sure the temperature stays above freezing to protect your pipes. Keep the warmth where you need it most.
If you use gas heat, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency gas furnace. It can help you reduce your gas use significantly.
Set your water heater to 120°F. Many are preset at 140°F, which uses more energy than needed. Lowering the temperature can help reduce your energy bill!

Bringing in the pros
Wouldn’t it be great if you could have an expert give your home an energy assessment? You can with our Residential Energy Efficiency Programs.

We’re here to help
Managing a higher bill during the winter can be challenging and we understand that. Visit our Help with Bill page and check out the programs available for our Massachussets customers.