THE COST OF THE COLD
Record low temperatures have meant record high gas bills for many Los Angeles residents this winter. The following statistics show gas use and average bills for the period from Dec. 13 to Jan. 13. Gas usage expressed in therms:
FOR AVERAGE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
Winter ‘87-’88
Gas used: 157
Gas bill: $109
Winter ‘86-’87
Gas used: 108
Gas bill: $58.50
FOR HOUSEHOLDS IN THE UPPER THIRD OF GAS USAGE
Winter ‘87-’88
Gas used: 210
Gas bill: $160
Winter ‘86-’87
Gas used: 145
Gas bill: $91
Factors that can make one household a high user of gas, in addition to setting the thermostat at higher temperatures:
Age of house (older homes often are less energy-efficient)
Size of house (the bill will be higher if there is a greater area to heat)
Location of house (if it is on a hill, for example, it may be more exposed to weather conditions)
Amount of glass (many windows don’t hold in heat)
Special needs (such as a pool or spa to heat)
SOURCE: Southern California Gas Co.
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