By Shailoh Lefeiloal, Staff Writer | February 8, 2023
photo courtesy of author
Over the past couple of months, oil gas prices have depleted and skyrocketed, encouraging millions to think about making the switch to electric cars.
What about the gas we use to heat our houses? This is the latest economic concern plaguing many Californians.
With inflation and the cost of living higher than ever, we are getting closer to some people feeling as if the soaring prices might have them on the verge of homelessness or having to make the impossible decision between paying a bill or filling up the family car.
Southern California Gas Company stated that January bills are likely to be shockingly high. A typical peak monthly bill of $65 from last winter will probably come in close to $160 according to SCGC..
Some are those that are concerned that it is not just gas prices that are going up, but there is a real fear that electric bills will increase as well.
In response to consumer concerns, SCE released a statement, “Natural gas is the source of about 22% of the company’s electricity, so when gas prices go up, electricity prices go up too.”
These patterns are not new as consumers use more heat during the winter months, with January being the peak month. although, these prices are affecting consumers from Los Angeles County all the way to the San Diego area.
Jamie Court, a representative of Consumer Watchdog expressed, that prices are being pushed higher because of the natural gas supply that has been shipped in the form of liquefied natural gas to Europe, which were in stockpiles since last year.
Court had stated, “They are selling our natural gas to Europe because they get a higher price.”
The resulting inventory shortages lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers and the companies can put on the squeeze because “consumers really need it,” said the same Consumer Watchdog representative.
It is a fact that California depends on other states for most of the natural gas used which could be a factor in rising prices.
Jacky Robles, a member of the faculty at the Academy of Medical Arts stated, “It’s ridiculous. It's so expensive, [that] I am near homelessness.”
“I got a call from the city last week saying my gas bill might go up by as much as $200 this month. My gas bill for where I live doubled,” said Ms. Heisen, English teacher at Carson High School. “I am even using less gas this year than I was this time last year, but it's twice as much money. I have switched to using a space heater instead of the wall heater because I'm hoping I can save some money.”
We could say that the last couple of months of 2022 have definitely been a hardship for Americans around the world.
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