Why is my PG&E bill so high and what can be done about it?
PG&E customers across Northern California are noticing higher-than-normal gas costs on their energy bills. West Sacramento resident Timothy Allen said his latest bill was about $662, with more than $400 going to gas. He said he’s now doing everything he can to save money so he can pay for the energy for his home in West Sacramento.” I’m not just going out and volunteering, because now I have to stay warm. in the winter, Allen said. “Last month I was paying about $200 for both gas and electric, and all of a sudden it shoots up like a rocket ship. I’m like, ‘What’s going on?'” Allen̵[ads1]7;s situation is an extreme case, but he’s not the only one experiencing a rate hike. KCRA 3 went straight to PG&E spokesperson Paul Moreno to ask what’s happening and what’s being done to help customers facing these huge costs.Question: Why are PG&E customers getting big gas bills?Moreno: Natural gas bills are higher for a couple of reasons . It’s been a very cold winter. Demand is higher. Utilization is higher. And unfortunately, on the supply side, supplies are a little bit tighter, partly because of natural gas pipeline issues affecting supply. So, with higher demand and tighter supply, wholesale prices for natural gas quite a bit higher, and this means that utilities like PG&E, we don’t mark up the price of natural gas that we charge our customers. It’s a fair implementation, and unfortunately this means higher bills provides for our customers. Q: How much more are customers charged on average? Moreno: Because natural gas prices are higher on the wholesale market, this means that consumers pay approx. 32% more this winter than they were last winter. That adds up to about $79 more per month. Q: What is PG&E doing to help customers cope with higher gas costs? Moreno: PG&E works with legislators and policymakers and regulators to find solutions for customers. And one potential relief is the California Climate Credit, which is usually issued in April. It could come a month or two earlier if the votes go well. Every April and October for PG&E customers and other energy customers in California, there is a climate credit on their bills, for both gas and electric use. It’s usually around $91 for combined both gas and electric credit that shows 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 draw on them to help moderate the prices of gas for our customers. Q: What can customers do to try to save on their electricity bill? Moreno: To reduce use, we encourage customers to wash their clothes in cold water. the thermostat for your water heater at 120 degrees, and keep the thermostat for your heater at 68 degrees or lower, and if your health allows, turn off the heater when you are not home… You definitely want to make sure your windows and doors are well sealed. You can use weatherstripping to keep the cold air out. On a sunny day, open the curtains and shades to let sunlight into your home, to warm up your home a bit, and make sure your heater is working properly and 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 or medical need. PG&E says people can also extend their bill due date or make a payment arrangement.
PG&E customers across Northern California are noticing higher-than-normal gas costs on their energy bills.
West Sacramento resident Timothy Allen said his latest bill was about $662, with more than $400 going to gas. He said he’s now doing everything he can to save money so he can pay for the energy for his West Sacramento home.
“I’m not going to just go out and volunteer because now I have to stay warm in the winter,” Allen said. “Last month I paid about $200 for both gas and electric, and then all of a sudden it takes off like a rocket ship. I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’
Allen’s situation is an extreme case, but he is not the only one experiencing a rate hike. KCRA 3 went straight to PG&E spokesperson Paul Moreno to ask what’s going on and what’s being done to help customers struggling with these huge costs.
Q: Why do PG&E customers get big gas bills?
Moreno: Natural gas bills are higher for a couple of reasons. It has been a very cold winter. Demand is higher. Usage is higher. And unfortunately, on the supply side, supplies are a little bit tighter, in part because of natural gas pipeline issues that are affecting supply. So, with higher demand and tighter supply, wholesale prices for natural gas are quite a bit higher, and this means that utilities like PG&E, we don’t mark up the price of natural gas that we charge our customers. It is a correct implementation, and unfortunately this means higher bills for our customers.
Q: How much more are customers charged on average?
Moreno: Because natural gas prices are higher on the wholesale market, this means consumers are paying about 32% more this winter than they were last winter. That equates to about $79 more per month.
Q: What is PG&E doing to help customers cope with higher gas costs?
Moreno: PG&E works with legislators and policy makers and regulators to find solutions for customers. And one potential relief is the California Climate Credit, which is usually issued in April. It could come a month or two earlier if the votes go well.
Every April and October for PG&E customers and other energy customers in California, there is a climate credit on their bills, for both gas and electric use. It’s usually around $91 for combined both gas and electric credit that shows 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 draw on them to help moderate the price of gas for our customers.
Q: What can customers do to try to save on their electricity bill?
Moreno: To reduce usage, we encourage customers to wash their clothes in cold water, set the water heater thermostat at 120 degrees and keep the heater thermostat at 68 degrees or lower and, if your health allows, turn the heater off. when you’re not at home… You definitely want to make sure your windows and doors are well sealed. You can use weatherstripping to keep the cold air out. On a sunny day, open the curtains and shades to let sunlight into your home, to warm up your home a bit, and make sure your heater is working properly and furnace filters are changed at least every three months. .
What else can be done?
PG&E also offers rebate programs to those who qualify. Some of these programs are based on income or medical need.
PG&E says people can also extend their bill’s due date or make a payment arrangement.
