Mayor Gordo Calls on Gas Company to Meet Over Soaring Prices

Mayor Victor Gordo has requested a meeting with the Southern California Gas Company to discuss the impact of price increases on local residents.

The West Coast has experienced higher demand due to colder than normal temperatures. The Western part of the country overall is also experiencing low storage levels. To make matters worse, supplies from Canada and the Rocky Mountains have significantly reduced and pipeline maintenance in West Texas continues.

“With unprecedented cost of living increases due to inflation and the recent cold weather storms, the increase in natural gas prices is significantly affecting all residents in Southern California,” Gordo wrote in the Jan. 20 letter.

Residents have received bills this January that are five times higher than usual.

The letter is addressed to Gillian Wright SVP and chief customer officer. 

“In order to better understand what caused the drastic increase in price, how long it is expected to last, and what financial assistance programs are available to help Pasadena residents especially our most vulnerable-with the increased costs, I would like to meet with you to learn of The Gas Company’s plan to address the matter in both the short and long term, as well as to coordinate a response for our community.

“It is important that we keep in mind those that are less fortunate, and I hope we are able to meet to discuss the aforementioned concerns regarding natural gas prices.”

It is not known when the two sides will convene to discuss the matter. 

According to KTLA Channel 5 in a related story on the increased prices the utility said: “SoCalGas does not set the price for natural gas. Instead, natural gas prices are determined by national and regional markets. SoCalGas buys natural gas in those markets on behalf of residential and small business customers, and the cost of buying that gas is billed to those customers with no markup, meaning SoCalGas does not profit from the movement of gas commodity prices.”

The Gas Assistance Fund through SoCalGas is offering one-time grants of up to $100 for qualifying customers. To qualify, you must meet several requirements.