PG&E customers in Northern California are noticing higher-than-normal gas charges on their energy bills. West Sacramento resident Timothy Allen said his most recent bill was around $662, with more than $400 going to gas. She said she was now doing everything she could to save money so she could pay for her home in West Sacramento. in the winter,” Allen said. “Last month I was paying $200 for both gas and electricity, and then it suddenly took off like a rocket. ‘What’s going on?’ Allen’s case is extreme, but he’s not the only one experiencing a rate hike. KCRA 3 went directly to PG&E spokesperson Paul Moreno to ask what’s going on and what has been done to help customers dealing with these huge costs. Q: Why PG&E customers get big bills for gas Moreno: Natural gas bills are higher for several reasons. It’s been a very cold winter. Demand is higher. Usage is higher. And unfortunately on the supply side, partly because of natural gas pipeline issues affecting supply supplies are a little tighter, so with higher demand and tighter supply, wholesale gas prices are slightly higher, which means that utilities like PG&E are not increasing the price of natural gas we buy from our customers. It’s a smooth transition and unfortunately this is for our customers. means higher bills Q: On average, how much more are customers charged? Moreno: Natural gas prices are higher in the wholesale market. This is because consumers are about 32% more this winter than last winter, because it is high. That’s about $79 more per month. Q: What is PG&E doing to help customers cope with the higher cost of gas? Moreno: PG&E is working with lawmakers, policymakers and regulators to find ways to put customers at ease. And one potential relief is the California Climate Loan, typically awarded in April. That could come in about a month or two if the votes go well. Every April and October for PG&E customers and other utility customers in California, they have a climate credit for both gas and electricity use on their bills. Usually around $91 for both gas and electricity credits, which will appear on this bill twice a year … PG&E also stores natural gas during the summer months when prices are cheaper. We use underground tanks for natural gas. We will leverage them to help lower the gas price for our customers. Q: What can customers do to save on their energy bills? Moreno: To help reduce usage, our customers should wash their clothes in cold water, keep your thermostat at 120 degrees for your water heater, 68 degrees and below for your heater, and if your health allows, turn off your heater when you are not at home… You definitely want to be sure of your windows. and the doors are well closed. You can use the weather stripping feature to help keep the cold air out. On a sunny day, open curtains and shades to let sunlight into your home, help your home get some warmth, and make sure your heater is working properly and your furnace filters are changed at least every three months. .What else to do PG&E also offers discount programs to those who qualify. Some of these programs are based on income or medical needs. People can also extend their billing terms or make a payment arrangement, PG&E says.
PG&E customers in Northern California are noticing higher-than-normal gas charges on their energy bills.
Timothy Allen, a West Sacramento resident, said his most recent bill was around $662, with more than $400 going on gas. He said he was doing everything he could to save money now so he could pay for the energy of his home in West Sacramento.
“I’m not going to go out and spend it even if I want to, because now I have to keep myself warm in the winter,” Allen said. “Last month I was paying $200 for both gas and electricity, and then it suddenly took off like a rocket. ‘What’s going on?’ I say.”
Allen’s case is extreme, but he’s not the only one to experience a rate hike. KCRA 3 went directly to PG&E spokesperson Paul Moreno to ask what’s going on and what has been done to help customers dealing with these huge costs.
Q: Why do PG&E customers get high bills for gas?
Moreno: Natural gas bills are higher for several reasons. It’s been a very cold winter. Demand is higher. Usage is more. And unfortunately on the supply side, supplies are a little tighter, partly due to gas pipeline issues affecting supply. So, with higher demand and tighter supply, wholesale natural gas prices are slightly higher, which means that utilities like PG&E are not increasing the price of natural gas we buy from our customers. This is a direct pass and unfortunately this means higher bills for our customers.
Q: How much more are customers charged on average?
Moreno: As natural gas prices are higher in the wholesale market, this means that consumers are paying about 32% more this winter than last winter. That’s about $79 more per month.
Q: What is PG&E doing to help customers cope with higher gas cost?
Moreno: PG&E works with legislators, policymakers and regulators to find ways to put customers at ease. And one potential relief is the California Climate Loan, typically awarded in April. If the votes go well, that could come a month or two ago.
Each April and October for PG&E customers and other utilities customers in California have a climate credit on their bills for both gas and electricity use. Usually around $91 for both gas and electricity credits, which will appear on this bill twice a year … PG&E also stores natural gas during the summer months when prices are cheaper. We use underground tanks for natural gas. We will leverage these to help moderate the price of gas for our customers.
Q: What can customers do to save on their energy bills?
Moreno: In order to reduce its use, we recommend that our customers wash their clothes in cold water, keep the thermostat of your water heater at 120 degrees, the thermostat of your heater at 68 degrees and below, and turn off your heater if your health allows. when you’re not at home … You definitely want to make sure your windows and doors are sealed. You can use the weather stripping feature to help keep the cold air out. On a sunny day, open curtains and shades to help your home get some heat, and make sure your heater is working properly and your furnace filters are changed at least every three months. .
What else can be done?
PG&E also offers discount programs to those who qualify. Some of these programs are based on: Income horse medical needs.
PG&E says people can also extend their billing terms or make a payment arrangement.
