On February 3, 2022, 8 News Now Las Vegas reports that many households in Las Vegas were dismayed to find that their gas bills doubled and sometimes even tripled, even though their usage remained steady.
News Now Las Vegas identifies supply-and-demand issues resulting from winter weather alerts as the primary cause of the price increase. Southwest Gas issued a warning in November 2021 alerting customers that the prices of natural gas were likely to see a significant increase throughout the winter.
Just as Southwest Gas predicted, natural gas prices increased by 16% in early February.
Analysts identified the source of the price hike as the expectations of winter storms, which will blanket large swaths of the country in snow and ice, slowing delivery and driving up demand.
News Now Las Vegas reports that Southwest Gas released a statement in reference to the skyrocketing prices:
“Southwest Gas (Company) understands customers may be experiencing natural gas bills which are higher than expected. The increase in customer bills is likely due to natural gas price increases between 2020 and 2021 as well as increased natural gas usage during the winter months. Southwest Gas purchases natural gas on behalf of its customers, with no profit to the Company. Money saving conservation tips can be found on the Company’s website at swgas.com. Southwest Gas also encourages customers to take advantage of its Equal Payment Plan (EPP) which helps make monthly bills more predictable throughout the year.”
Southwest Gas also offered some tips on ways to decrease gas bills, including setting household thermostats to the mid-60s during the day and lowering them further at night. They also suggested ensuring that all leaks and door or window cracks are properly filled in order to conserve heat within a dwelling.
News Now Las Vegas reports that customers with further questions regarding usage can contact Southwest Gas through the Southwest Gas website or by phone at 877-860-6020.
https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/las-vegans-seeing-higher-heating-bills-as-southwest-gas-pays-more-for-natural-gas/