EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 As temperatures climb heading into summer and utility rates as well, Texas Gas Service shared steps customers can take to manage energy use and avoid high bills. <\/p>\n
When asked about higher bills some El Paso customers reported in February \u2014 including concerns about delivery and customer charges \u2014 Safeena Khanmohamed, public relations manager for Texas Gas Service said the company increased rates during a periodic review process.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we go through periodic rate reviews and did increase our rates at that time during the annual process that is reviewed by our regulators and by the City of El Paso,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Khanmohamed said the company understands bill increases can be difficult, but said the changes are tied to maintaining service.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s essential to be able to continue delivering that reliable service that we know keeps people warm in the winter and is just an essential service for people,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
When asked whether Texas Gas Service has changed how it communicates rate or fee changes to customers, Khanmohamed said she would need to look into it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can look into that and get back to you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead to summer, Khanmohamed said natural gas use is typically lower during warmer months, which is usually reflected in customer bills.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo natural gas use is typically lower in the summer, which is typically reflected on bills when usage is lower,\u201d she said. \u201cMost customers usually succeed at their natural gas bills are lower in summer and higher in the winter when they’re using their natural gas more.\u201d<\/p>\n
Still, she said the company is sharing conservation tips.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: <\/a>El Paso City Council denies Texas Gas rate hike, pauses new rates for 45 days<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cFirst of all, your AC is running at its peak during peak hours in the afternoon,\u201d she said. \u201cSo running appliances like your dryer and dishwasher after dark reduces the stress on your cooling system.\u201d<\/p>\n She also recommended sealing gaps around windows and doors to keep cool air in and warm air out, and closing blinds during the hottest parts of the day to help keep homes cooler.<\/p>\n For customers with natural gas water heaters, Khanmohamed suggested lowering the water heater temperature to 120 degrees and installing a low-flow shower head to reduce hot water use.<\/p>\n \u201cReducing the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees just reduces the amount of energy it’s using to heat your water,\u201d she said. \u201cSomething like a low flow shower head can also help you use less water when you’re showering.\u201d<\/p>\n For customers struggling to pay their bills, Khanmohamed said Texas Gas Service offers assistance programs and budgeting options, including an average bill payment plan.<\/p>\n \u201cOne example is our average bill payment plan that averages out your bill over, you know, the average of your past 12 months and so that helps spread out your costs throughout year,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Khanmohamed said information about available programs can be found at texasgasservice.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: El Paso challenges state-approved Texas Gas Service rate increase after pricey bills<\/p>\n