Understanding Your Bill

We know your utility bill can be a complicated topic. We're here to make it easier to understand.
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Home Residential Services Resource Center Understanding Your Bill

What are the different charges I see on my bill?

There are two primary charges on your bill: the Gas Cost and the Delivery Charge.
 
Your Gas Cost is based on usage – how much natural gas you use to heat your home, warm water, dry clothes, cook a hot meal, or other natural gas uses you may use in your home. The price of gas, like other commodities, is affected by supply and demand. We purchase gas on your behalf, the price you pay is what we actually paid for the gas.
 
The Delivery Charge primarily reflects a base rate for the cost of providing safe and reliable natural gas service to your home or business. These base rates are only adjusted after a general rate case.
 
The remaining costs are comprised of surcharges for specific previously approved programs and federal, state, and local taxes. 
 

 
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Delivery Charge

Cost to provide safe and reliable service
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Gas Cost

How much gas you use in your home
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Taxes & Surcharges

Federal, state, and local taxes

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about your gas bill and energy usage this winter? We have answers for your specific state and we’re here to help.
 
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How to Read Your Bill

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Energy Saving Tips & Rebates

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Equal Payment Plan

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All Payment Options

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How to Read a Gas Meter

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How Gas Rates Are Set

Need Assistance?

We are here to help. Remember, you can sign up for the Equal Payment Plan to help manage your payments and monthly budget.

We also offer assistance programs, including Energy Share, an emergency assistance fund to help qualified customers with financial difficulties, and an Installment Plan for those with outstanding bills.

Please dial 2-1-1 and select option 1, then option 9 to speak to a specialist who can assist you with funds available in your area or call 877-860-6020 to discuss possible flexible payment options.

For information on specific programs in your area, click on your state below.

Why does my natural gas bill fluctuate?

Changes in Natural Gas Prices

The price of natural gas, like other commodities, is affected by supply and demand and other external factors like weather events, policy changes, and other economic factors.

We purchase gas on behalf of our customers – the price you pay is the same as we paid, with no profit to the Company. Changes to the gas cost rates are designed to help mitigate large variations that may occur in the natural gas market.

Historical and Forward-Looking Gas Cost

The trend of gas costs from January 2022 and the projected future costs through July 2026; reflecting the price Southwest Gas paid which is passed on to our customers.

Changes in Usage

Wintertime and cooler temperatures will be the primary contributors to increased usage—things like your thermostat setting, the number of family members or guests in your home, the number of loads of laundry you wash and dry, the number and length of hot showers, or the use of natural gas appliances such as fireplaces or pool heaters. Your home's energy efficiency is another factor. Leaks and cracks around windows and doors and the type of insulation your home has may contribute to increased gas usage to maintain your home's comfortable temperature.

Changes In Delivery Charge

The delivery charge reflects a base rate component which includes the cost of operating the natural gas utility and recovering our investment in the natural gas distribution system. That component of the delivery charge only changes as a result of a base rate increase, which occurs approximately every two years. Our regulators scrutinize and approve the charge prior to implementation.

Learn more about changes in residential natural gas pricing history at U.S. Energy Information Administration.
 
Find more information about Rates & Regulation