bill so high
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 about $662, including more than $400 for gas. He said he is now doing everything he can to save money so he can pay for energy for his West Sacramento home. “I’m not just going to go out and spend willy-nilly because now I have to keep myself warm in the winter,” Allen said. all of a sudden it exploded like a rocket.
bill so high
I thought, “What’s going on?” Allen’s situation is an extreme case, but he’s not the only one experiencing a rate hike. KCRA 3 spoke directly to PG&E spokesman Paul Moreno to ask what is happening and what is being done to help customers facing these huge costs. Q: Why are PG&E customers getting- Do they have big gas bills? Moreno: Natural gas bills are higher for several reasons. The winter was very cold. The demand is higher. Usage is higher. And unfortunately, on the supply side, supplies are a bit tighter, in part due to pipeline issues affecting supply. So with higher demand and tighter supply, wholesale natural gas prices are a bit higher, which means that utilities like PG&E, we’re not raising the price of natural gas that we charge to our clients.
bill so high
This is a direct transfer, and unfortunately it means higher bills for our customers. 32% more this winter than last winter. That translates to about $79 more per month. Q: What is PG&E doing to help customers deal with the higher cost of gas? Moreno: PG&E is working with legislators, policymakers and regulators to find ways to relieve customers. And one potential relief is the California Climate Credit, which is typically issued in April. It could happen about a month or two sooner if the votes go well. Every April and October for PG&E customers and other utility customers in California, there is a climate credit on their bills, for gas and electric usage.
bill so high
It’s usually about $91 for a combined gas and electric credit that will show up on that bill, twice a year… PG&E also stores natural gas during the summer months when prices are cheaper. We use underground storage for natural gas. We will use this to help moderate the price of gas for our customers.
bill so high
Q: What can customers do to try to save on their energy bills? Moreno: To help reduce consumption, we invite customers to wash their clothes in cold water, set your thermostat for your water heater at 120 degrees, and keep your thermostat for your water heater at 68 degrees or lower. , and, if your health permits, turn off your water heater when you’re not at home… You certainly want to make sure that your windows and doors are tightly closed. You can use weatherstripping to keep cold air out. On a sunny day, open the curtains and blinds to let sunlight into your home, to help warm your home a bit and make sure your furnace 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 for those who qualify. Some of these programs are based on income or medical need. PG&E says people can also extend their bill due date or make a payment agreement.
bill so high
PG&E customers in Northern California are noticing higher than normal gas charges on their energy bills.
bill so high
West Sacramento resident Timothy Allen said his most recent bill was about $662, including more than $400 for gas. He said he is now doing everything he can to save money so he can pay for energy for his West Sacramento home.
bill so high
“I’m not just going to go out and spend willy-nilly because now I have to keep myself warm in the winter,” Allen said. “Last month I was paying about $200 for gas and electricity, and all of a sudden it went off like a rocket. I was like, ‘What’s going on?'”
bill so high
Allen’s situation is an extreme case, but he’s not the only one facing a rate hike. KCRA 3 went straight to PG&E spokesman Paul Moreno to ask what was going on and what was being done to help customers facing these huge costs.
Q: Why do PG&E customers receive large gas bills?
Moreno: Natural gas bills are higher for several reasons. The winter was very cold. The demand is higher. Usage is higher. And unfortunately, on the supply side, supplies are a bit tighter, in part due to pipeline issues affecting supply. So with higher demand and tighter supply, wholesale natural gas prices are a bit higher, which means that utilities like PG&E, we’re not raising the price of natural gas that we charge to our clients. It’s a direct transfer, and unfortunately that means higher bills for our customers.
Q: On average, how much are customers charged extra?
Moreno: Since natural gas prices are higher on the wholesale market, this means that consumers are paying about 32% more this winter than last winter. That translates to about $79 more per month.
Q: What is PG&E doing to help customers with the higher cost of gas?
Moreno: PG&E is working with legislators, policymakers and regulators to find ways to provide relief to customers. And one potential relief is the California Climate Credit, which is typically issued in April. It could happen about a month or two sooner if the votes go well.
bill so high
Every April and October, for PG&E customers and other utility customers in California, there is a climate credit on their bills, for gas and electric usage. It’s usually about $91 for a combined gas and electric credit that will show up on that bill, twice a year… PG&E also stores natural gas during the summer months when prices are cheaper. We use underground storage for natural gas. We will use it to help moderate the price of gas for our customers.
Q: What can customers do to try to save on their energy bills?
Moreno: To help reduce usage, we urge customers to wash clothes in cold water, set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees, and keep your water heater thermostat at 68 degrees or less and , if your health allows it, to turn off your water heater when you are not at home… You certainly want to make sure that your windows and doors are well sealed. You can use weatherstripping to keep cold air out. On a sunny day, open the curtains and blinds to let sunlight into your home, to help warm your home a bit and make sure your furnace is working properly and your furnace filters are changed at least every three months. .
What else can we do?
bill so high
PG&E also offers discount programs for those who qualify. Some of these programs are based on income or medical need.
bill so high
PG&E says people can also extend their bill due date or make a payment agreement.
