San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) said customers can expect their energy bills to more than double beginning this month, reflecting the sharply rising costs of providing reliable energy to consumers.
The cost of natural gas has jumped to $5.11 per unit from $2.36 last January, the county’s main utility provider said in a Jan. 3 statement.
The increase is driven by the rising market price—what the utility pays suppliers for gas, SDG&E officials said.
“We understand the challenges customers are facing as the cost of goods and services across the board continues to increase,” Dana Golan, SDG&E’s vice president of customer services, said in a statement. “While not good news, we want to make sure our customers are prepared for significantly higher winter bills, and more importantly, that there are tools and resources, including financial assistance available, given the severity of natural gas market conditions.”
The company says it doesn’t profit from the rise in market costs for natural gas and has to pass on the costs directly to its customers.
Assistance Programs
Customers who wish to have more predictable monthly bills by offsetting high-bill months with low-bill months are encouraged by SDG&E to sign up for the Level Pay program.Save Money by Reducing Demand
In addition to assistance from SDG&E, customers can take control of their costs by reducing their use of energy. Here are some ways:- Use a humidifier. Increasing the humidity in the room helps the air to hold more heat and helps you feel warmer compared to dry air at the same temperature.
- Adjust the thermostat. Turning the heat down 8 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day can reduce heating costs significantly. In summer months, consider allowing cool, evening air into the house instead of relying solely on the air conditioner.
- Wash clothes with warm, or even cold water, instead of hot water.
- Seal leaky windows and doors. Caulking and weather stripping can make your life more comfortable.
- Make sure your appliances aren’t wasting energy. For electronics, consider using the off button on your surge suppressor. Check spas, pool heaters, fireplaces, and your kitchen range to make sure they’re not wasting energy.
