Winter in North Texas can bring sudden freezes, ice, and record-low temperatures, and when it does, energy usage often climbs along with it.
After Winter Storm Fern swept through Atmos Energy’s service areas from January 23-27, many customers may have noticed higher-than-usual natural gas bills. Prolonged cold weather means heating systems, water heaters, fireplaces, and other gas appliances work harder and run longer to keep homes comfortable. That increased usage can result in a bill that’s higher than what you typically see at other times of the year.
Here’s what to know and what options are available if your bills feel higher than expected.
Updated February 2026
WHY YOUR BILL MAY BE HIGHER
When temperatures drop for several consecutive days, natural gas usage typically increases. The main factors that impact your bill include:
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The amount of natural gas used
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The natural gas commodity cost, which is a pass-through cost
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Customer and delivery charges to your home or business
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Taxes and fees
Colder weather, longer billing cycles and increased appliance use can all contribute to noticeable changes month over month. Customers are able to use the Bill Comparison tool in their Atmos Energy Account Center to compare their current bill with a previous one and better understand how weather and usage impacted their total!
HELP MANAGE YOUR NATURAL GAS BILL
If your bill is higher than expected, Atmos Energy offers several free programs designed to make payments more manageable:
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Budget Billing: Helps make your bill more predictable each month by averaging costs over time
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Installment Plans: Allows you to spread your balance out over multiple payments
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Energy Assistance Referrals: Connects qualifying customers with local agencies that offer financial support
ATMOS ENERGY
Atmos Energy is a Dallas-based natural gas-only distributor serving more than 3 million customers across eight states, with a strong presence throughout North Texas. The company works year-round to safely deliver reliable, affordable, and efficient natural gas by inspecting infrastructure, securing winter supply, training crews, and investing in system modernization.
Beyond keeping homes warm, Atmos Energy is committed to supporting local communities through programs like Sharing the Warmth, which partners with nonprofits to help eligible residents cover utility bills, weatherization upgrades, and essential repairs during times of need.
THE TAKEAWAY
Extended cold snaps like Winter Storm Fern can temporarily increase natural gas usage and bills, but with flexible payment options, online tools and available financial assistance, customers have resources to better manage seasonal spikes!
For more information about billing, payment assistance and safety, visit AtmosEnergy.com
