El Paso residents report sharp spike in gas bills after state-approved rate increase
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Many El Paso residents are reporting unexpectedly high natural gas bills this month, saying the increase far exceeds what state regulators approved earlier in February.
The Texas Railroad Commission authorized a Texas Gas Service rate increase of roughly 10 percent to 19 percent earlier this month, but customers say the bills they’re seeing now don’t match what they were told to expect.
James, an El Paso resident, said the rising cost of basic utilities is straining household budgets.
“Ain’t no way that you could raise prices in gas, rent and electric and still expect people to live off of the minimum wage that you give us,” he said.
Several viewers tell KTSM they also saw steep jumps between their January and February bills.
“We used to pay around $40 when we first got our house almost six years ago,” said Arlette B. “Over the years it’s increased to about $80 and this past month it was $190.”
Another viewer, Julia S., said her monthly bill skyrocketed despite not using her heater.
“I haven’t turned on my heater, and I usually paid $45 and my bill is $160 this month,” Segovia said. “That’s just ridiculous. And I didn’t get a notice.”
A spokesperson for Texas Gas Service told KTSM that multiple factors may be contributing to the higher costs, including increased usage during cold weather, rising market prices for natural gas and changes to the company’s rate design.
The utility said natural gas costs, which are passed directly to customers, have increased, and the new rate structure shifts more charges into usage-based fees, which may make winter bills appear higher.
The company encouraged customers with concerns to call and review their bills or explore payment arrangements. It also suggested that residents seeking more stability consider enrolling in the Average Payment Plan, which spreads costs throughout the year.
Energy saving tips for both the winter and summer can be found on the utility’s website.
Despite these explanations, residents say they’re being stretched thin as electricity, housing and food costs rise simultaneously.
City Council is scheduled to discuss its next steps regarding the gas rate increase as well as proposed rate changes by El Paso Electric on Monday, March 2. The items will be taken up in Executive Session.
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