SoCalGas: Worried about your skyrocketing gas bill? Customers are encouraged to voice concerns to the California Public Utilities Commission

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — As Californians struggle to pay skyrocketing natural gas bills, access activists are urging people to contact state regulators.

Mark Toney is the executive director of The Utilities Reform Network, a non-profit organization also known as TURN that works to ensure that utilities are clean, safe and affordable.

He said people upset about the sudden jump in their SoCalGas bills should call Thursday’s upcoming meeting of the California Public Utilities Commission and voice their anger.

“We’re just very concerned that this is out of control and something needs to be done to moderate these kinds of price increases,”[ads1]; he told Eyewitness News.

SoCalGas said wholesale natural gas prices have skyrocketed this winter, reaching 128% from December to January alone. The company warns customers that if their highest winter bill was around $130 last year, it will most likely jump to about $315 this year.

Crestline resident Dennis Duvall is recovering from triple bypass surgery and suffers from Lupus. These health problems keep him in the house around the clock with the thermostat set at approx. 75 degrees.

His last bill was $918.75.

READ ALSO | Residents fear SoCalGas customers will ‘freeze to death’ to try to save money to pay skyrocketing bills

“I have to pay it,” he said. “I have to stay warm. It’s going to be very difficult.”

Dave Miner of Crestline just saw his gas bill shoot up to $700.

“It takes money from my kids, it takes money from my grocery bill,” Miner said.

Toney said many Californians with medical issues qualify for programs like Medical Baseline to help reduce the cost of use.

“They can sign up for Medical Baseline for their gas and get a reduced price and extra protection against being shut off if you fall behind on your bill,” Toney said.

Other tips to save fuel?

“Turn down the thermostat if your health and your family’s health allows it, rely a little more on sweaters, blankets, close the vents in rooms you don’t use,” advises Toney.