12/18/2025
βοΈAs the holiday season brings more cooking, cleaning, and hosting, it also puts more pressure on the cityβs water, sewer, and natural gas systems to work as intended. To help customers keep their homes running smoothly and safely, LBUD offers the following tips for a stress-free, efficient, and affordable holiday season:
π π½ Apply for a Free Energy Efficient Appliance
Long Beach Utilities is expanding its no-cost water and natural gas efficiency Direct Installation Appliance (DIA) Program, which provides eligible Long Beach and Signal Hill customers with high-efficiency devices and upgrades. The program aims to:
Reduce monthly utility costs
Support water and natural gas conservation
Lower greenhouse gas emissions
Improve long-term efficiency in homes across the city
Visit LBUtilities.org/DIA to learn more.
π π» Track Your Utility Usage on MyUtilityPortal
The Cityβs MyUtilityPortal offers utility account holders tools to:
Monitor natural gas usage in real time
View historical usage trends
Identify energy patterns
Make informed decisions to better manage seasonal costs
MyUtilityPortal is a helpful tool during the winter season when residential natural gas usage typically rises due to increased heating and cooking needs. Sign up to access your account information on longbeach.gov/MyUtilityPortal.
π π° Receive Bill Help Assistance
Long Beach Utilities also offers multiple income-qualified assistance programs to help households facing financial hardship. These programs support customers by reducing monthly utility bills or providing one-time assistance for qualified residents. Please visit LBUtilities.org/BillHelp to learn more!
π π² Save Energy, Save Money
Lower Your Water Heater Temperature β Set your water heater to 120Β°F. It is hot enough for comfort and sanitation but uses significantly less natural gas than higher settings.
Maintain Your Gas Furnace and Water Heater β Annual tune-ups help appliances run safely and efficiently. Clean filters, check venting, and ensure proper airflow.
Use Cold Water for Laundry When Possible β Cold washes are effective with modern detergents and reduce natural gas needed to heat water.
Improve Home Insulation and Seal Drafts β Sealing doors and windows may help keep the mild winter heat indoors and reduce gas heater runtime.
Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat β During cooler months, set your thermostat to 68Β°F when youβre home and lower it when youβre away or sleeping.
Long Beach rarely gets extreme cold, but small temperature adjustments can add up in savings.
π¨ π In Case of an Emergency
If you suspect a natural gas leak, please call Long Beach Utilities 24/7 Gas Dispatch at 562-570-2140. If you are experiencing a major water leak or sewage backup, please call Long Beach Utilities 24/7 Water Emergency Dispatch at 562-570-2390.