Manage Higher Bills
We are committed to delivering affordable natural gas and work to secure the best prices for the natural gas we purchase on behalf of our residential and small business customers.
Natural gas prices fluctuate based on regional and national markets, and we work diligently to secure cost-effective natural gas supplies. The cost of buying natural gas is billed to customers with no markup, meaning we do not earn additional profits from the sale of natural gas or higher supply prices.
We are here year-round to help our customers understand their bills, while also helping them prepare for colder weather and the rising costs of energy.
How We Can Help
More Resources
Understanding My Bill
Learn about everything that goes into calculating your monthly natural gas bill.
What Could Be Causing My SoCalGas Bill to Be Higher?
Current and Historical Natural Gas Prices
Natural gas prices change monthly, and you can view current and historical prices to help plan your usage.
What Charges Make up My SoCalGas Bill?
Our rates are regulated and approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Natural gas bills consist of three cost components:
Natural Gas Commodity Charge
The cost of natural gas purchased by SoCalGas on behalf of its customers.
Natural Gas Transportation Rates
The cost to deliver natural gas to a customer's home or business.
Public Purpose Surcharge
A CPUC mandated charge to fund public purpose programs such as California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE), the Energy Savings Assistance Program, energy efficiency, and research.
Taxes and fees vary depending on customer location and applicable regulations.
Factors Affecting Your Monthly Bills Natural Gas Prices
The costs of purchasing and transporting natural gas can vary from year to year and within the same year. Our transportation rates, regulated by the CPUC, are typically adjusted annually at the start of each year. In some cases, these rates may change during the year as authorized by the CPUC.
Weather
During colder weather, natural gas usage typically increases three to seven times as we use our home heaters more often. While natural gas prices may fluctuate during warmer seasons, historical data shows lower usage. If health permits, you could save on heating costs by lowering your thermostat by three to five degrees.
Increase in Appliance Usage
Increased use of appliances can impact your bill. For example, water heaters work longer and harder during colder weather and could increase your natural gas usage. Having guests at home, cooking more, and leaving appliances on could also impact your bill.
Days Within Your Billing Cycle
There are typically 29-32 days in a billing cycle, depending on when meters are read for a particular area. However, some situations may change the number of billing days. For example, holidays can add up to four days to your billing cycle.
Past Due Amount
Any remaining past due amount included in your current bill will cause it to be higher.