Everything You Need To Know About Paying Your Connecticut Natural Gas Bill

Paying your Connecticut Natural Gas bill on time each month is an important part of being a responsible homeowner or renter. However, with so many payment options available, it can be confusing to figure out the best method for your needs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the different ways to pay your Connecticut Natural Gas bill, with tips on choosing the right option based on convenience, budgeting, and avoiding late fees.

Overview of Connecticut Natural Gas Bill Payment Options

Connecticut Natural Gas offers residential and business customers several options for paying their natural gas bill each month The available options include

• Pay Online
• AutoPay
• Pay by Phone
• Pay by Mail
• Pay in Person
• Budget Billing

When deciding how to pay your Connecticut Natural Gas bill, consider factors like:

• Convenience – Is the payment method easy and quick to use?
• Added Fees – Are there any service fees for using that option?
• Payment Processing Time – How quickly will the payment post to your account?
• Budgeting – Does the option allow you to spread costs evenly over the year?

Review the details on each method below to find the right fit for your household or business,

Paying Online

Paying your Connecticut Natural Gas bill online is one of the most popular options, allowing customers to quickly and securely pay from their computer or mobile device. Here’s an overview of online bill pay

• Pay on Company Website – The easiest way to pay online is directly through the Connecticut Natural Gas website. You can login to your account or checkout as a guest.

• Payment Processing Time – Online payments may take up to 4 business days to post to your account.

• Convenience – Pay anytime, anywhere with an internet connection. Store payment info for faster checkout.

• Added Fees – Connecticut Natural Gas does not charge service fees for online payments.

• Security – Payment site uses industry-standard encryption to protect your info.

Paying on the Connecticut Natural Gas website is the best online option for quick, secure payment with no extra fees.

Paying with AutoPay

AutoPay is a convenient bill payment option that deducts your monthly Connecticut Natural Gas bill directly from your bank account. Here are the benefits of using AutoPay:

• Automatic Payment – No need to remember due dates. Payment is made on time, every month.

• Avoid Late Fees – AutoPay prevents missed payments and costly late fees.

• Payment Processing Time – Payments process faster than most other options.

• Easy Enrollment – Sign up for AutoPay through your online account.

The main downside of AutoPay is less control over timing of the monthly withdrawal from your bank account. Overall, it’s a simple and hassle-free way to pay your gas bill.

Paying by Phone

In addition to the website, Connecticut Natural Gas offers a toll-free automated phone system for making payments.

• 24/7 Access – Payments can be made anytime by calling the automated line.

• Live Support – You can also speak to a customer service rep Monday-Friday from 8am to 6pm.

• Quick Processing – Phone payments typically process faster than mail or in-person payments.

• Service Fees – Connecticut Natural Gas does not charge extra fees for paying by phone.

Paying by phone is convenient when you want to speak with a live representative or need after-hours and weekend access.

Paying by Mail

Sending a check or money order by mail is a more traditional bill payment method offered by Connecticut Natural Gas:

• Familiar Bill Pay – Mail gives a sense of control and involvement in the process.

• Added Steps – You need to acquire checks or money orders, write your account info, mail the payment, etc.

• Slower Processing – Allow 7-10 days for mailed payments to post to your account.

• No Extra Fees – Connecticut Natural Gas does not charge for mail payment.

• Risk of Late Fees – Allows more room for human error resulting in late payments.

Paying by mail is worthwhile for some customers who prefer the familiar process. Just be sure to mail your check 7-10 days before the due date.

Paying in Person

Connecticut Natural Gas has local offices where customers can pay their bill in person:

• Speak with Staff – Resolve account issues or questions face-to-face.

• Various Payment Types – Make cash payments or use other quick payment types.

• Added Travel Time – You must travel to a payment center location during open hours.

• Same Day Processing – In-person payments typically post to your account the same business day.

• No Extra Fees– There is no charge for paying at a payment center.

Paying your bill in person makes sense when you want same day processing or need account help from staff. Just be aware of locations and limited hours.

Budget Billing

Budget Billing evens out costs by spreading payments evenly across the whole year.

• Predictable Payments – Your bill is the same monthly amount based on last year’s usage.

• Avoid Spikes – Helps manage your budget by eliminating seasonal spikes.

• Potential Adjustments – Your monthly payment amount may need occasional adjustments.

• Yearly Settlement – At the end of the year, your account is settled based on actual usage.

• No Added Fees – Budget Billing comes at no extra cost.

This program is ideal if you want to eliminate big seasonal swings in your natural gas bills. Keep in mind you’ll still need to pay the full annual cost.

Avoid Late Payments and Fees

Whenever possible, try to pay your Connecticut Natural Gas bill before the due date each month. Late payments will incur the following fees:

• If the bill is unpaid by the due date, a 1.5% late charge is applied.

• Accounts with any unpaid balance after the due date are subject to a “Late Notice Fee” of $9.

• If the total balance remains unpaid 20 days after the due date, an additional 1.5% late charge is added.

• Service may be disconnected if the account is still unpaid after proper notice is given. Reconnection after disconnect incurs a $95 fee.

Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders for your bill’s monthly due date to avoid pricey late fees. And if you’re struggling to pay on time, call Connecticut Natural Gas as soon as possible to discuss bill assistance or payment plan options.

Payment Processing Timeframes

Understanding how long each payment method takes to process can prevent late fees or service disruptions. Here are the typical timeframes:

• AutoPay – 3-5 business days
• Online – Up to 4 business days
• Phone – 2-3 business days
• Mail – 7-10 calendar days
• In Person – Same business day

Keep these timeframes in mind and schedule your payment accordingly, a few days before your bill’s due date.

Ways to Avoid High Natural Gas Bills

In addition to paying your bill on time each month, there are things you can do to reduce your natural gas usage and monthly costs:

• Perform an energy audit to find drafts, leaks, and other efficiency issues.

• Seal air leaks around doors, windows, pipes and any gaps.

• Increase insulation in your attic, walls, and floors.

• Upgrade to a high-efficiency natural gas furnace and water heater.

• Set thermostats to automatically lower temperatures at night and when away.

• Use programmable or smart thermostats to optimize heating schedules.

• Replace old appliances and equipment with ENERGY STAR® models.

• Check eligibility for energy efficiency rebates and incentive programs.

Investing in these energy-saving home improvements will help shrink your natural gas consumption and monthly bills.

Explore Connecticut Natural Gas Bill Payment Assistance

If you’re experiencing financial hardship and struggle to pay your bill each month, Connecticut Natural Gas offers several assistance programs:

• Matching Payment Program – Provides dollar-for-dollar bill matching when you make payments.

• NewStart – Allows qualified customers to pay off past due balance over time.

• Winter Protection Plan – Protects eligible senior citizens and disabled customers from winter shut-offs.

• Operation Fuel – Provides emergency energy assistance through direct grants.

You may also qualify for state and federal bill assistance programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Check if you meet income requirements.

Don’t let an overdue gas bill turn into a financial crisis. Call Connecticut Natural Gas today to learn about available bill help.

Choose the Right Payment Method for You

Paying your monthly Connecticut Natural Gas bill doesn’t have to be a complicated or stressful process. Now that you know all the payment options and policies, you can choose the method that fits your needs and budget. Some popular recommendations include:

• AutoPay – Forgetting bills is a thing of the past with automatic payments right from your bank account.

• Online – Securely pay from your laptop or phone anytime, anywhere while avoiding fees.

• Budget Billing – If you want predictability and avoid seasonal spikes, this program levels out your costs.

Carefully review your account details, processing times, and costs. Finding the ideal payment method helps provide convenience, savings, and peace of mind.