Southwest Gas is responding to a massive outcry from customers in the wake of our ‘Darcy, what’s the deal?’ report on rapidly rising gas bills.
Last week, we shared consumer concerns over gas bills that were at least double or triple from the previous month , costing consumers much more than they bargained for to heat their homes.
Despite recent record profits, Southwest Gas has received approval from the Public Utilities Commission for multiple rate increases, saying the company has been impacted by external factors, and has to recoup its expenses.
“The current cost to provide gas service, capital investments in its own system, depreciation expense, customer growth, changes in operations and maintenance expenses… From a business perspective, does any of that resonate with you?” 13 Chief Investigator Darcy Spears asked homeowner Wayne Bernath.
“No,” Bernath responded, “it doesn’t. They’re just coming up with anything they can say to try to justify, but it’s not justifiable–these rate hikes–not that much!”