PG&E customers notice spike in bill

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif.(KIEM)- Many Humboldt County residents have seen a dramatic spike in PG&E monthly bills within the last few months.

But PG&E says it’s not that they are spiking up their rates but that the commodity price of gas has increased 90 percent more than the previous year. 

“Your gas bill is mostly based on the fact that the gas commodity prices have increased. And gas commodity prices are a global commodity, and it fluctuates from month to month. Whereas electric rates are set once a year, and that’s your electric rate for the whole year, whereas gas prices fluctuate,” said Deanna Contreras, Spokesperson with PG&E.

PG&E spokesperson said PG&E doesn’t profit from purchasing electricity or gas, and they don’t mark up that price, and the same rate they buy it for, is the same rate customers pay.

The winter season might also be a reason for the spike in bills; PG&E expects a 64 percent increase in gas usage this time of year.

“We understand that our customers see higher gas bills, and if you have any questions and are having trouble paying your bill, please call us because there might be a plan you qualify for that you are not on,” said Deanna Contreras.

You can also set up your account to receive a Bill Forecast alert. The alert will then notify you via email, text, or call that you will exceed the amount you set up your bill forecast.