Grand Rapids, Ohio — Residents around Grand Rapids say they are reeling after opening natural gas bills that are double and, in some cases, triple what they normally pay. Many say they are frustrated and looking for clear answers.
Multiple Suburban Natural Gas customers contacted 98.7 Towpath Radio this week reporting dramatic increases in their latest statements. Several said their winter bills typically range between $80 and $300, but February charges have jumped to $366, $500, and even more than $1,000.
One homeowner in a roughly 1,500 square foot house reported a bill topping $550, despite saying their winter highs “never” exceed $300. Another resident said their usual $80 to $100 bill surged to $366 in a single cycle.
A local business owner described an even steeper increase, reporting a $2,500 bill after a prior month’s usage was estimated lower than actual. When the meter was read and adjusted, the catch up, combined with a higher gas rate, resulted in a significantly larger statement.
Many residents say they were especially surprised by a sharp rise in the per Ccf gas rate. Customers report paying around $0.65 per Ccf in prior months, with recent bills reflecting rates closer to $1.07 per Ccf. When both usage and the rate increase at the same time, the result can be significant sticker shock.
Natural gas usage is measured in Ccf, or hundred cubic feet. Bills are calculated by multiplying total Ccf used by the current gas cost recovery rate, then adding delivery and infrastructure charges.
Suburban Natural Gas has acknowledged that many customers are seeing higher bills than expected. The company attributes the increase to higher wholesale gas costs and increased usage during the late January and early February cold snap. Suburban also notes that the Gas Cost Recovery rate reflects the actual cost of purchasing natural gas and is regulated under rules set by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Several residents told 98.7 Towpath Radio they contacted Suburban and were informed the company has received numerous calls about the spike. Some were told their prior bills may have been estimated and that adjustments or reviews are underway. 98.7 Towpath Radio reached out to Suburban Natural Gas and were informed of the same, we were told we would hear back within a week on whether or not the the bill we inquired about would be reduced.
For many in Grand Rapids, however, the explanation does little to ease the financial strain.
Residents are encouraged to review their bill carefully, confirm whether it was estimated, and contact Suburban Natural Gas directly at 419-655-2345 to discuss usage and rate details.
98.7 Towpath Radio will continue following this story as residents across Grand Rapids voice concerns about being hit so hard with such high winter energy costs.
You can also track what other residents are experiencing via the conversation on the Towpath Radio Facebook Page, the Grand Rapids in the 419 Group Page, and Heart of Grand Rapids page.
98.7 Towpath Radio will provide updates with additional comments from village officials or SNG officials if they become available.
This report is part of the Stream 419 network, delivering local news, sports, radio, and media across Northwest Ohio. For more coverage, visit Stream419.com.
