How to Avoid DDDC Charges and Save
Unfortunately, no, you can’t cut out DDDC charges altogether. But you can take some steps to lower this portion of your bill. To unlock the mysteries of the DDDC and save on natural gas, the first step is simply understanding what DDDC is. Then you’ll be able to leverage that knowledge and save money. So, let’s get into how you can lower DDDC charges on your Atlanta gas bill.
What are DDDC Charges?
DDDC stands for Dedicated Design Day Capacity. It represents the amount of pipeline capacity your natural gas utility, Atlanta Gas Light, needs to have open to bring natural gas to your home. But not just on any day. It specifically projects what you’ll need on the coldest day of the year, which would also be the highest demand day. The projection is based off past usage, house size, natural gas appliances, and so on.
Importantly, your DDDC factor determines the majority of your AGL base charge you see each month on your gas bill. The DDDC charge is actually calculated as one lump sum you owe the utility. But then they break it up into monthly installments. You pay a higher percentage of your DDDC charge in colder months and a lower percentage in warmer months. In the Atlanta area, customers pay an additional component on the base charge called “peaking service”. This supports the cost for storing extra natural gas due to the high population density.
AGL also recalculates DDDC factors each year. So, using more or less natural gas generally throughout the year can affect your base charge.
Find Your DDDC and See What You’ll Pay
Finding your DDDC factor is pretty easy. It’s right on your bill! Depending on your natural gas provider, you’ll find it in slightly different places. But it will be marked clearly as DDDC in a section that breaks down your base charges.
Once you have your DDDC, see how it affects your monthly bill using AGL’s free base rate calculator. Scroll down to “Calculating Your Base Rate” and choose the residential calculator. Enter your DDDC factor and select the month you want to calculate. If you live in Atlanta, don’t forget to switch peaking pool group to “on”. The tool estimates your total AGL pass-through charge, including the portion based on DDDC.
Try a winter and summer month to see how much the amount can change throughout the year.
How to Lower Your DDDC and AGL Base Charge
Since your DDDC is based partly on your natural gas usage, cutting back on gas helps lower your factor. Focus especially on reducing usage during cold weather, when your furnace runs the longest. The most effective measures will be lowering your thermostat 8-10 degrees overnight, sealing doors and windows, adding insulation in attics and crawl spaces, and regularly replacing furnace filters.
Just remember that your DDDC won’t drop immediately when you lower your usage. You have to wait for AGL to recalculate the factor each year. In fact, your new DDDC just went into effect on September 1st. But taking measures to lower gas use now can impact your DDDC next time around. Additionally, you’ll be cutting your bill just by lowering your usage!
Another great method for lowering your natural gas costs is shopping for the best rate. Compare plans, rates, incentives, and more all in one place at https://www.georgiagassavings.com.