HOUSTON – CenterPoint Energy has responded to customer concerns regarding significant increases in their natural gas bills, clarifying that the rise is due to the ‘Gas Cost Adjustment’ and not a new fee.
Many customers, like Yvette Harvey, were alarmed by the unexpected hike. Harvey, a retiree on a fixed income, saw her bill soar from the usual $100 to $335.84, prompting her to seek answers.
“I went into panic mode with my initial thought. I’m like, how am I going to pay this, this amount of money?” Harvey asked. “I’m here in this house by myself. I’m already using one floor of gas. So how did I end up with such a high fee?”
KPRC 2’s Joy Addison reached out to CenterPoint after Harvey reached out to the Click2Houston Help Desk. Since then, a CenterPoint spokesperson said they are in touch with Harvey to explain her bill increase and how the company could help.
CenterPoint explained that the ‘Gas Cost Adjustment’ reflects the actual cost of natural gas and is influenced by market prices. The company stated in a statement to KPRC 2’s Rilwan Balogun, “CenterPoint Energy does not profit from the Gas Cost Adjustment charge – it is a dollar-for-dollar pass through to the customer.” The adjustment, which increased by approximately 18% due to market conditions, is reviewed twice a year, according to the company. Additionally, January’s colder-than-normal temperatures contributed to higher natural gas usage, further impacting bills.
Customers across Houston have voiced their concerns, with many reporting similar increases.
Joe, another customer, noted his bill jumped from $56 to $136, a topic of widespread discussion in his neighborhood. CenterPoint encourages customers with questions or concerns to contact their natural gas customer service at 713-659-2111 for assistance.
The utility company emphasized that if they collect too much from customers, they will lower rates, and if they collect too little, they will adjust rates accordingly.
CenterPoint Statement
CenterPoint Energy does not profit from the Gas Cost Adjustment charge – it is a dollar-for-dollar pass through to the customer for the gas commodity cost. Fluctuations in this charge directly reflect natural gas market prices, and the charge is adjusted twice per year. A new GCA was effective as of February 2025, with an increase of approximately 18% due to market prices. Additionally, January was approximately 10% colder than normal, which would contribute to customers experiencing higher natural gas usage. The average residential natural gas customer uses approximately 30 CCF per month.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas does not regulate gas in Texas. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas. A spokesperson for the Railroad Commission said they can’t and don’t regulate natural gas prices but shared their frequently asked questions:
- What determines the price of Natural Gas?
- The price of natural gas is determined by market influences. The biggest influence on the price continues to be supply and demand. When the gas supply gets tighter and/or demand increases, the result is higher prices. When gas supply increases and/or demand decreases, gas prices decrease.
- Who regulates the price of Natural Gas?
- The marketplace determines the price of natural gas. Currently, no governmental agency regulates the price of natural gas production at the wellhead.
- I live on a fixed income. What can I do to help control the amount I pay for natural gas?
- There are several things you can do to help control the amount you pay for natural gas.
- Contact your gas company and ask if they have an energy awareness program or energy conservation program. Many utilities offer to come to your home and conduct a review of your home’s energy efficiency.
