SAN FRANCISCO – Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s (PG&E) customers can expect average natural gas bills to be about 9 percent lower this month than in January of last year.

Small increases in charges for transmission, distribution and mandated social programs are expected to be offset by lower forecast usage and a decline in gas prices.

The price of the natural gas has been favorable due to high storage levels and lower demand.

Natural gas costs can change quickly during the winter months depending on weather and market conditions.

PG&E takes steps to protect customers from severe price spikes, including smart purchasing decisions, financial hedging against potential price spikes, and using its extensive pipeline and storage infrastructure to help us moderate gas purchase costs. PG&E passes the wholesale price of gas through to customers without mark-up.

Customers also CAN take steps to help reduce their gas bills, as well. Simply turning down your thermostat by just one or two degrees and installing weather stripping in your home, are two easy ways to save on your winter heating bills.

Customers in need of assistance with bill payment should call 800-PGE-5000.