OAKLAND
PG&E Customers’ March natural gas bills expected to decrease on average 75%
After three months of higher-than-normal natural gas market prices driving up energy bills, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers can expect, on average, a 75% decline in their March natural gas bills.
The decrease is due in part to PG&E distributing the state’s April Climate Credit one month earlier than in previous years. Even without the Climate Credit, March natural gas bills, on average, would decrease 40% because of a significant drop in the market prices PG&E pays to buy natural gas to serve its customers, and customers using less gas as colder temperatures moderate. The estimated decrease, which is for natural gas usage in March, is based on customers using 38 therms (a unit of energy) compared to 50 therms in February.
Depending on billing cycle, customers may not receive statements for March usage until April. PG&E does not control market prices, nor does it mark up the cost of gas and electricity that it purchases on behalf of its customers.
The average residential non-CARE customer bill for natural gas service in March is projected to be about $37, which includes the gas Climate Credit of $52.78. In February, the average residential non-CARE customer bill was about $150. Natural gas prices also affect the cost of electricity since many power plants use natural gas to generate electricity. Customers can expect, on average, a 37% decrease in March electric bills. The average residential non-CARE customer bill for electric service in March is projected to be about $91, which includes the Climate Credit of $38.39. That’s compared to $145 in February.
While March bills are expected to drop, some customers still may have difficulty paying bills from the sustained higher prices this winter. PG&E offers individualized solutions and other ways to save: Customers who need more time to pay can extend their due date or make a payment arrangement through their online account at pge.com. PG&E offers many financial assistance programs that can help customers lower their monthly bills. In addition to the statewide Climate Credit, approximately 300,000 customers who experienced financial hardships during the pandemic also received a one-time automatic bill credit under the California Arrearage Payment Program. Customers who participated in the Power Saver Rewards Program last year and reduced energy use on event days may receive a bill credit on their February or March energy statement, depending on billing cycle. The program is providing over $55 million in bill credits to participating PG&E customers. Over the 10 event days in 2022, the average customer bill credit for participating customers was $35.
—Submitted
LAKEPORT
Operation Tango Mike marks 20 years
On the third Thursday of every month, volunteers gather at Umpqua Bank, to prepare care packages for deployed military personnel. The annual exception comes every March, when Operation Tango Mike hosts an open house at 5 p.m.
The community is invited to visit and become acquainted with what the group does, and longtime supporters are encouraged to join in the festivities. On March 16, at 5 p.m., there will be an open house at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th Street, Lakeport. It will be an opportunity to pay a visit and learn more about Operation Tango Mike, read letters from troops, browse photos and get acquainted. Delicious food will be served. Catering is generously being donated by Rosemary Martin of Rosey Cooks, LLC. he regular monthly packing party will take place following the open house, and as holiday items are shipped one month in advance to ensure timely delivery, the March care packages will be Easter boxes. You are invited to bring along any special treats, candies, correspondence or items you would like to include in care packages. For further information or to add someone to the care package recipient list, please call 707-349-2838 or e-mail operationtangomike@mchsi.com.
—submitted
