Utility bills can be quite unpredictable, and preparing for sudden spikes is a challenge in itself. Gas bills often rise during the summer because of higher electrical demand. You should budget for a possible increase in your monthly utilities to cover the higher gas costs.

This guide from Georgia Auto Pawn, Inc. explains the best ways to manage your gas bills in the summer and provides an estimate of the amount you'll likely need. It also describes how title pawns can offer quick cash for unexpected expenses.

How Much Are Gas Bills In Georgia In The Summer?

The average monthly gas bill in Georgia during the summer can range from $50-$100. Even though we do not use our heating when it’s hot outside, it is possible for natural gas bills to increase during the summer.

Here are the main reasons why:

• Fixed monthly charges: You pay certain charges no matter the amount of gas you have used that month. Gas utility companies collect “base charges” to maintain their gas delivery systems, gas lines, and meters throughout the year.
• Supplier costs: Many people aren’t aware that they might have to pay winter delivery charges even during the warmer months. These delivery charges are usually spread throughout the year, so you don’t have to pay a large amount when it’s very cold outside and you’re using the most gas.
• Increased demand for electricity: Hot weather causes more use of ACs. These often depend on natural gas-powered electricity. As a result, high demand raises electricity prices, and you end up paying much more than expected.
• Natural gas appliances: If some of your appliances run on gas, like stoves or water heaters, your energy use might stay the same. This is especially true if you tend to take more showers during the summer.

4 Tips For Effective Georgia Utility Budgeting

Just because your summer gas bills can be unpredictable doesn’t mean you can’t afford them. You just need to make adjustments to your budget to afford the possible increases during the summer. Learn more about Georgia utility budgeting below to discover how you can afford high summer gas bills.

Here are four tips for budgeting for summer gas bills:

1. Consider The Budget Billing Program

The main problem with gas bills is that they vary. It’s almost impossible to predict exactly what you will owe next month. The Budget Billing Program can help you avoid these surprises. It makes your monthly payments consistent by using your average early usage as a baseline.

If you've been at your current residence and in good standing with Georgia Power for over a year, you may qualify for Budget Billing. The program is free. While you'll pay for your actual usage, averaging your monthly cost can make managing seasonal fluctuations much easier.

2. Make An Action Plan

If you’re not eligible for the program mentioned above, with the right planning, you may still be able to create a budget that actually works.

Start by gathering your utility bills from the past one or two summers. Then, add up the monthly costs and divide the total by the number of months. After you find the average gas bill per month, you can include that exact amount in your budget.

Remember that if the bill comes out lower than your average, you should set aside the extra cash. This way, when the bill is more than average, you’ll know where to find the money.

3. Reduce Utility Usage

Although Georgia doesn't rely entirely on gas-powered plants for electricity, they still play a key part. Gas makes up about 41% of the total electricity generated. When your AC runs full blast during summer, your electric bill can rise too. To help manage this cost, set your thermostat above 72 degrees. Each degree you raise can save you up to 3% on cooling costs.

When it comes to Georgia utility budgeting and your gas bills, the only thing you can really do is reduce your reliance on gas-powered appliances. For example, you can adjust your water heater or explore alternative cooking methods.

4. Inspect Your House For Gas Leaks

If you have received a gas bill that is significantly higher than what you expected, the root cause of the problem might be a gas leak. Such issues typically occur where the pipes join together at the fittings. In some cases, summer heat can exacerbate the problem.

You can also call your local utility company, so they can send a professionals to inspect your house for gas leaks. Taking care of this can save you money on your utility bills and prevent potential harmful effects of gas leaks, such as breathing difficulties, throat irritation, and dizziness.

While the methods mentioned above can help you lower costs, they likely won’t help when faced with a financial emergency. If you need emergency cash quickly to avoid service disruptions and late fees, a title pawn from Georgia Auto Pawn, Inc. can get you urgent funds within 24 hours!

Getting A Title Pawn In Georgia: A Step-By-Step Guide

You might have managed to fit an increased gas bill into your budget, but when a disaster strikes, finding extra cash can be tough (especially if you don’t have a big enough emergency fund). If you need to urgently cover a medical bill, unexpected travel costs, or fix a gas leak, you might want to consider taking out a title pawn.

Borrowers who have fully paid off their cars can use their lien-free vehicle title as collateral to borrow up to $15,000. You can get approved as long as you have these required items: a driver’s license, a lien-free vehicle title in your name, and your vehicle for a quick inspection. Only cars, trucks, and vans are accepted; you can get a title pawn with motorcycles, boats, trailers, etc.

Approval takes less than a day with the following quick steps:

• Submit your basic information online with our inquiry form
• Receive a phone call from a loan specialist to discuss title pawn terms
• Bring your required items to the nearest Georgia store location
• Have your requirements verified and your vehicle inspected for its value
• If approved, sign the agreement documents to finish the title pawn process
• Receive up to $15,000 later that day or by the next business day

After beginning the process online, you can finish in person in less than 30 minutes. Approval is fast and allows you to have quick access to funds. Handle your financial emergency as soon as possible with our simple approval process. Begin the process online today!

Get Approved For Auto Title Pawns In Georgia – Receive Up To $15,000 Today!

Summer gas bills can be unexpectedly high, and if you weren’t prepared for the sudden increase, an auto pawn from Georgia Auto Pawn, Inc. can be useful. Whether you need assistance with medical, veterinary, or utility bills, you might get a financial boost as early as the same day or the next business day with us.

If you’re ready to get started, fill out the online inquiry form right now! We will call you soon to discuss loan terms, and you can come to our nearest Georgia store to get approved in less than 30 minutes. Apply for Georgia title pawns today for fast financial relief.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.