As Hope Gas customers prepare for winter weather, they may also plan for expected increased costs to their monthly gas bills. This increase is due to tight supplies and weather-driven market prices. As always, we want to help our customers manage their bills and provide assistance for those in need. For billing and payment assistance information please see below or visit us on our website; HopeGas.com.
“We care about all of our customers, and we want to make sure they know we are here to help them by providing information on our billing options.” said Morgan O’Brien, President and CEO, Hope Gas, Inc. “We offer budget billing to assist with the increase in your gas bill and offer a payment plan for those currently in arears. Our customer call center can also provide information on external assistance programs.”
National gas inventories are below the five-year average heading into winter mainly due to supply chain issues, labor shortages, and capital discipline, plus above average usage from a colder winter in 2021-2022. These conditions are also being complicated by the Ukraine/Russia conflict which caused global demand and price for US produced LNG to rise to extreme levels.
In addition, hot weather over the summer increased cooling demand, which increased gas consumption to generate electricity. The upcoming winter demand for natural gas could support continued price increases given these factors. However, Hope Gas customers can be assured of sufficient natural gas supplies for this coming winter.
For our customers and families that are experiencing financial hardship, Hope Gas offers various company payment plans and assistance programs that can help them stay warm this winter. Customers who may not be able to afford their heating bills are urged to contact Hope Gas immediately. Please visit us anytime at HopeGas.com or click on the following link: https://hopegas.com/pay-bill/#options. To speak directly to an agent, you may call Hope Gas at 1- 800-688-4673.
HOPE GAS PAYMENT PLANS:
Hope Gas offers several different options for customers who are experiencing high winter bills. Customers can make arrangements by contacting 1-800-688-4673. Contacting us early may provide more options. Some accommodations include:
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Budget Billing: Budget Billing is a way to level out your gas bills so you pay a set payment amount every month. Leveling out your payments help avoid bill surprises like very high winter gas bills due to price or usage.
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Flexible payment plans: If you have gotten behind, payment plans can help catch you up.
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:
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DOLLAR ENERGY Dollar Energy Fund is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for households experiencing hardships by providing utility assistance and other services that lead to self-sufficiency. Visit Dollar Energy Fund’s online Agency Finder at hardshiptools.org/agencyfinder.aspx to find a partnering agency that provides application intake services for the Dollar Energy Fund program.
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2-1-1 West Virginia If you are past due on your energy bill or facing disconnection of your gas service, dial 2-1-1. Trained professionals can provide referrals to resources for basic human needs, childcare, elder care, housing assistance and more. Help is available 24/7.
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LIEAP The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), a federally funded program, assists low-income households with the cost of home heating through direct payments to utility companies on their behalf.
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Emergency LIEAP The emergency component will open following the close of regular LIEAP and will continue until remaining funds are exhausted.
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Weatherization Assistance This is a federally funded program that helps low-income households in the state to reduce the costs incurred due to energy related utilities. The program does this by implementing energy efficiency measures in the homes of qualifying household such as: Insulation of walls, floors, and attics; repairing malfunctioned home heating systems; and maintenance of air supply and conditioning systems. Visit Weatherization Assistance Program | West Virginia Community and Development Office (https://wvcad.org/sustainability/weatherization-assistance-program).
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20% Discount Program The Special Reduced Residential Service Rate Program. To be eligible for this rate reduction, you must be a recipient of either SNAP and be 60 years of age or older, SSI and be 18 years of age or older, or WV WORKS. For gas and electric, one must be a recipient of one of these programs during November, December, January, February, and March to get the discount for that month. If you have questions about qualifying, please call the WV DHHR at 1-800-642- 8589. YOU MUST REAPPLY EACH YEAR TO OBTAIN THE DISCOUNT PROGRAM BENEFIT.
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West Virginia Homeowner Rescue Program The program will provide financial assistance to eligible homeowners for qualified mortgage or housing-related expenses to avoid delinquency, default, foreclosure, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacement. Visit www.whomerescue.com or call 1-844-542-0035 today!