El Paso Residents Angered by Surging Natural Gas Bills

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El Paso residents are reporting that their natural gas bills have nearly doubled this month, with the largest changes appearing in the delivery charge. Texas Gas Service says a new billing structure that shifts more of the bill to the amount of gas used, as well as colder weather and a spike in natural gas prices, are behind the increases. However, the company did not directly address why some customers are seeing increases well above the estimated $3 to $11 per month previously communicated, or whether customers were notified in advance about the billing changes.

Why it matters

The sharp rise in natural gas bills is causing financial strain for many El Paso residents, raising questions about transparency and communication from the utility company. As a regulated industry, natural gas providers must follow certain rules and provide public notice before implementing rate changes.

The details

Texas Gas Service says the higher bills are due to a combination of factors, including a new billing structure that shifts more of the cost to the amount of gas used, colder weather during Winter Storm Fern that increased demand, and a spike in the market price of natural gas. However, the company did not directly address why some customers are seeing increases well above the estimated $3 to $11 per month previously communicated.

• In February 2026, El Paso residents reported their natural gas bills had nearly doubled compared to the previous year.
• On February 5, 2026, the Texas Railroad Commission approved a rate increase for Texas Gas Service.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Texas Railroad Commission said rate changes must be reviewed and approved, and utilities must provide public notice before new rates take effect. It is unclear if the billing structure change falls under those notice requirements.