TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a report from the Long Beach Energy Resources Department on the recent spike in natural gas customer bills.
DISCUSSION
Many residents throughout Long Beach saw significant increases in their gas utility bill in the month of December. This increase has caused dismay from residents who were not expecting an increase in their bill that in some cases has been more than double the previous month. In addition to many residents' natural gas usage being higher due to decreased temperatures during the month of December, there are reports of a number of issues outside of the City's control that led to a spike in the wholesale cost of natural gas.
With this issue being important to Long Beach residents throughout the City, including low income residents, seniors on a fixed income, and residents working to maintain their household finances, a report to the City Council is needed to discuss what led to this recent spike in resident gas utility bills and the short-term increase in the cost of natural gas in the state.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is not a financial impact as a result of the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
SUZIE PRICE
COUNCILWOMAN, THIRD DISTRICT
DEE ANDREWS
VICE MAYOR, SIXTH DISTRICT
AL AUSTIN
COUNCILMAN, EIGHTH DISTRICT