Atmos gas bill sticker shock: Check the fine print during winter months
December brought 80-degree weather on Christmas Day, but gas bills were higher.
Atmos Energy, the company that provides natural gas to customers throughout Texas, has an explanation.
From November to April, when bills are “most sensitive to increased usage during a colder winter, residential and commercial customers will notice a line item called ‘Rider WNA’ on their gas bill,” Atmos said in an email to the Star-Telegram. “WNA” refers to Weather Normalization Adjustment.
During the winter, bills might include a surcharge or a credit designed to protect consumers if temperatures are colder than normal. Atmos says when the weather is colder than normal, the WNA amount will reflect a credit. When the weather is warmer, the WNA will reflect a surcharge.
“Industry regulators identify the total number of dollars a company can collect through rates to recover their cost to serve customers. Base rates, comprised of the customer charge and consumption charge, are set using expected weather based on 10-year averages,” Atmos said.
The Winter Normalization Adjustment is calculated based on the temperatures. This adjustment, which Atmos says is standard in the natural gas utility industry, “helps to offset gas usage to reflect normal outdoor temperatures during the heating season.”
Winter storm may lead to higher bill. How to save
Atmos offers ways to save on your gas bill.
- Atmos has a program that offers financial assistance to the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans, and income-qualified families who need help paying their gas bills. Customers can find assistance by calling 888-286-6700.
- Inspect your natural gas piping and appliances.
- Never use an oven or a gas stove to heat your home.
- Set your thermostat to 68 during the day and 58 when you are away from home.
- Reduce your shower and bath time. Showering and bathing can account for 40% of your home’s hot water use.
- Keep warm air inside. Unless a fire is burning, close your fireplace damper to prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney.
- Protect natural gas meters. Natural gas meters are weather-proof; however, to help keep the meter working smoothly, remove snow and ice from natural gas meters with a broom or brush. Never kick or chip snow and ice away with a hard object. Call Atmos Energy’s Emergency Number at 866-322-8667 if you have concerns about your meter.
- Make sure external vents for dryers and other natural gas equipment are clear. Blocked vents can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
- Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Leave faucets running at a trickle, open cabinet doors, and close all exterior doors and windows to keep heat inside.
This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 12:01 PM.