If your gas bill seems to jump every winter, you are not imagining it. In El Paso, most homes use far more natural gas from November through February than in any other part of the year. In this guide, Repay Now explains why your gas bill gets higher in winter, what changed recently on Texas Gas Service bills and seven practical tips to keep the cost under control.
Why Is My Gas Bill So High in Winter?
The short answer is usage. When temperatures drop, your furnace runs longer, your water heater works harder to warm colder water and you probably cook more at home. All of those appliances run on natural gas, and every extra hour shows up on your meter.
Several factors stack on top of each other during the cold months:
- Heating. A gas furnace is usually the biggest gas user in the house. Every degree you raise the thermostat adds to the bill.
- Hot water. Incoming water is colder in winter, so the water heater needs more gas to reach the same temperature.
- Cost of gas. The price Texas Gas Service pays for natural gas is passed through to customers without markup, and that market price tends to rise when demand is high across the country.
- Billing period. Some billing cycles include more cold days than others, so two winter bills can look very different.
What Changed on El Paso Gas Bills
In 2026 many El Paso customers noticed bigger winter bills than they expected. According to Texas Gas Service, the rate structure approved by regulators lowered the fixed monthly charge and moved more of the cost into the delivery charge, which depends on how much gas you use. As a result, bills are now highest in the months when usage is highest, which in El Paso means winter.
The company also explained that the February 2026 bills were affected by Winter Storm Fern, which pushed the market price of gas up for a month. The lesson for this winter is simple: usage matters more than ever, so small changes at home can make a real difference.
7 Tips to Lower Your Gas Bill This Winter
These are low cost or no cost steps that most El Paso households can take right away.
- Lower the thermostat a few degrees. Set it as low as you are comfortable during the day and a little lower at night or when nobody is home. A programmable thermostat makes this automatic.
- Set your water heater to 120°F. Many water heaters come set higher than you need. The “warm” or 120°F setting is enough for most homes and uses less gas.
- Seal drafts. Weatherstripping on doors and caulk around windows keep warm air in. Check the gaps under exterior doors first.
- Change the furnace filter. A dirty filter makes the furnace work harder. Replace it at the start of winter and check it every month or two.
- Use the sun. El Paso has sunny winter days. Open the curtains on south facing windows during the day and close them at night to hold the heat.
- Take shorter hot showers. Hot water is the second biggest gas expense in many homes. A few minutes less per shower adds up over a month.
- Get your heater checked. A furnace that is tuned up runs more efficiently and safely. If you ever smell gas, leave the home and call 911 and the Texas Gas Service emergency line.
Plan Ahead With the Average Payment Plan
If the problem is not the yearly total but the big swings between summer and winter, ask Texas Gas Service about its Average Payment Plan. It spreads your bills more evenly across the year, so your monthly amount is easier to predict. Eligibility depends on your account.
Customers who need extra help can also review the assistance programs listed by the utility, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Share the Warmth, which are managed through community agencies.
Read Your Bill Before You Pay
Before paying, take a minute to look at your usage history. Texas Gas Service bills show your energy use for the previous 13 months, so you can compare this winter with last winter. If the usage looks similar but the total is much higher, the difference usually comes from the cost of gas or the delivery charge, not from something you did. If something looks wrong, call Texas Gas Service at 800-700-2443 before the due date to ask about it.
Pay Your Winter Gas Bill on Time at Repay Now
A higher bill is easier to handle when paying it is simple. At Repay Now you can pay your Texas Gas Service bill in El Paso in person and in cash, for a small fee. Your payment is reflected the same day, which helps when your due date is close, and our bilingual team can help you review the charges on your bill.
Visit us at either of our offices:
- Magoffin Office: 2901 Magoffin Ave, El Paso, TX
- N. Loop Office: 8825 N. Loop Dr, El Paso, TX
While you are there, you can also pay your electric, internet and phone bills in the same visit. Learn more about all of our utility bill payments in El Paso or contact us if you have questions before your visit.