How Often Do You Pay Your Gas Bill? A Complete Guide

Paying your gas bill is an essential aspect of homeownership and an important recurring expense to budget for. But how often you actually pay this bill can vary depending on your gas company, location, and plan. Getting familiar with the billing cycles and payment frequencies in your area empowers you to better manage this cost.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how often you should pay your gas bill, how much it usually costs, and how to save money.

Key Takeaways:

• Most gas companies bill customers every month, as Texas Gas Service does.

• The average monthly gas bill in the US. is around $80.

• Your gas bill can go down if you do things like lower the temperature, seal up drafts, and buy new appliances.

• Budget billing plans even out payments, while prepay lets you pay-as-you-go.

How Frequently Are Gas Bills Issued?

Generally, you’ll receive a gas bill either monthly, as is the case with Texas Gas Service, or bimonthly from your local gas utility company. Here’s an overview of common gas bill frequencies:

• Monthly billing: Get a bill every month based on that period’s usage. This is the most common.

• Bimonthly billing: Receive a bill every other month. Usage from both months is combined.

• Quarterly billing: Get a bill once per quarter, lumping 3 months together. Less common.

• Prepay: Load money to your account in advance and draw down as you use gas.

• Budget billing: Pay a flat rate each month based on past average usage.

Monthly billing is most common, which lets customers like those with Texas Gas Service keep an eye on how much gas they use. But bimonthly plans let you spread out your payments, and budget plans help even out gas use that goes up during certain times of the year.

Some companies also give you the flexibility to choose your preferred billing frequency. Compare all the options to pick the best gas bill schedule for your household.

What’s the Average Monthly Cost of Gas Bills?

According to the American Gas Association, the average American household spent $964 on natural gas in 2021. That breaks down to about $80 per month. However, your individual gas bill can vary based on usage, gas market prices, and your location.

Here are some key factors that influence the amount of your monthly gas bill:

• House size – Larger homes typically use more gas.

• Climate – Colder regions have higher gas bills, especially in winter.

• Gas appliances – More gas-powered devices mean higher consumption.

• Energy efficiency – Poor insulation and outdated appliances can drive up use.

• Thermostat habits – Setting temperatures higher in winter boosts gas use.

• Number of occupants – Large families use more hot water, heat, etc.

• Billing days – Bills covering more days may be more expensive.

• Rate changes – Market conditions impact cost per unit of gas.

• Estimated reads – Actual meter readings give a more precise cost.

Knowing what makes gas prices go up or down can help you make smart decisions about how to lower your bill.

5 Tips to Save Money on Your Gas Bill

If your gas bills seem higher than you’d like, there are several ways you can save:

• Improve insulation and seal drafts – Preventing heat loss around doors, windows, attics, and basements means you don’t have to use as much gas for heating.

• Adjust thermostat settings – Keeping temperatures moderate can significantly cut gas consumption for heating and hot water.

• Upgrade appliances – Replace older furnaces, water heaters, stoves, etc. with more efficient ENERGY STAR models.

• Lower the temperature on your water heater – You can typically dial it down to 120°F.

• Inspect for leaks – Detect and repair any leaks in gas lines, which waste money.

Taking even small steps to use gas more efficiently provides big savings over time. And staying on top of your usage each billing cycle helps you pinpoint new ways to reduce waste.

What Are the Different Gas Bill Payment Options?

When it comes time to pay your gas bill, you’ll typically have several options:

• Mail a check – Write a check payable to your gas company and mail it with your remittance stub.

• Pay online – Most gas companies like Texas Gas Service allow online payments through their website. E-checks or card payments are accepted.

• Pay by phone – Many providers have an automated phone system for paying with a card or bank account.

• Automatic bank draft – You can authorize recurring withdrawals from your bank account each month.

• Budget billing – Make level monthly payments based on past average usage. Your account is reconciled periodically.

• Prepaid – Add money to your account in advance, then it deducts as you use gas. Requires keeping a positive balance.

• Pay in person – Take cash, check, or money order to an authorized payment location.

• Debit/credit card – Some local utilities accept card payments through their office. Fees may apply.

Go paperless with e-billing and set up recurring payments or bank drafts for convenience. Just be sure to log in and review charges so unexpected spikes don’t go unnoticed.

How Do I Pay My Gas Bill If I Run Out of Money?

Having trouble covering an unusually high gas bill? You have options, but prompt payment helps avoid fees or service disruption.

• Request an extension – Explain your situation and ask for a few more days to pay. One-time extensions are often allowed.

• Enroll in budget billing – Making consistent payments can help you plan ahead.

• Apply for aid – Federal, state, or local programs may offer bill assistance if you qualify.

• Arrange a payment plan – Some utilities let you divide the balance into multiple installments.

• Borrow from family or friends – They may be willing to loan you money just for the gas bill.

• Use a credit card – This delays payment but incurs interest fees over time.

• Take out a personal loan – Lenders like Payoff offer fixed-rate loans starting around 5.99% APR.

If you ultimately can’t pay, know that your service could be disconnected. But gas companies must follow certain rules before shutting off your gas, and service is restored once the past due amount is paid. Avoid the hassle by staying on budget with your gas costs.

How Do I Switch Gas Companies or Service Plans?

If you want to change local gas utility providers, that may not be possible depending on your area. Gas supply is regulated, so households generally can’t select alternate companies.

But you may be able to:

• Compare rate plans – Some utilities offer different pricing structures or service options.

• Choose an alternate fuel source – Switch to electric heat or a dual-fuel heating system.

• Move residences – Relocating to a home served by a different gas company.

• Go off the grid – Disconnect gas service and find alternate sources for heating, cooking, etc.

Before making big changes, calculate the costs. Eliminating gas may mean higher electric bills. And disconnecting gas service typically involves a fee.

Key Takeaways About Paying Your Gas Bill

• Expect to receive a gas bill every month or every other month in general. Review it promptly.

• Budget about $80 monthly for the average residential gas bill. Check for excess use.

• Use payment options like autopay and budget billing to manage costs smoothly.

• Explore discounts, financial assistance, payment plans, or loans if you can’t cover your bill.

• Compare service plans or providers when available to potentially lower costs.

Understanding the billing and payment process for your gas service allows you to take control of this regular expense. Carefully monitoring your consumption and costs each cycle also ensures you catch billing errors or usage spikes before they become major budget issues. Reach out early if you ever struggle to pay your gas bill on time.