Weather Normalization Adjustment

[freedomatlast]

Just got the latest natural gas bill that includes a "Weather Normalization Adjustment". Of course it's a charge and not a credit, at least for this month. Apparently when the weather is deemed to be warmer than normal, the PUC has allowed the gas company to charge their customers an additional fee, even though they used less natural gas. When the weather is colder than normal a customer is supposed to get a credit, but I haven't seen that yet. The gas company has no idea (or just won't tell their customers) how this Weather Normalization Adjustment is calculated, where the temperature data comes from and how close to a customer's zip code the temperature data is derived. Assuming Global Warming is real and continues, the gas company stands to make incredible profits from yet another fee that a group of people in a conference room have dreamed up. Shame on the PUC for approving it.

 

[zinger1457]

Sounds like my old propane company, they talk about going green and suggest things you can do to conserve fuel, but then charge you a higher $/gallon rate if you get classified as a 'low usage customer'. Learned my lesson quick to never lease a tank, it forces you to buy propane from the company you're leasing the tank from.

 

[djsander]

Looking at our gas bill besides fuel cost we have the following fees and taxes:
Surcharge
Weather Adjustment fee
Distribution fee
Transmission fee
Access Fee
Gas Energy Efficiency Fee
Pipeline Safety Fee
Franchise Fee
Gross Receipts Tax
I worked mainly in the interstate pipeline industry and dealt alot with our local gas company so I know what most of the fees are. They are broken out as each has a purpose and are approved by the state regulatory agency. Some as you say are some what nebulous. You can probably get hold of the PUC for a better explanation.

 

[rk911]

Sounds like my old propane company, they talk about going green and suggest things you can do to conserve fuel, but then charge you a higher $/gallon rate if you get classified as a 'low usage customer'. Learned my lesson quick to never lease a tank, it forces you to buy propane from the company you're leasing the tank from.

my late BIL lived in San Jose, CA. he told me about a water conservation program the city or county or whatever entity provides water was promoting. and it worked. water usage dropped and, as you might guesss, the bills went up.