What your SoCalGas contract says

In short

This is a residential natural gas service agreement with Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), the largest gas distribution utility in the United States, serving nearly 22 million consumers across Central and Southern California. SoCalGas delivers natural gas to your home for heating, hot water, cooking, and other uses. You pay a monthly bill based on how many therms you use, plus fixed delivery charges. Rates are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), so SoCalGas must get approval for rate changes (but increases are frequent). California's push toward electrification means the state is actively discouraging new gas hookups, which could affect long-term service availability.

What you agree to do

• You must pay your gas bill by the due date shown on your monthly statement.
• You must provide safe, unobstructed access to your gas meter for reading and maintenance.
• You must not tamper with, bypass, or modify gas meters, pipes, or regulators.
• You must immediately report any gas smell or suspected leak by calling SoCalGas or 911.
• You must allow SoCalGas access for emergency repairs and mandatory safety inspections.

What you can ask for

• You can apply for the CARE program for a 20% discount on your gas bill if your household income qualifies.
• You can request a payment arrangement or the Gas Assistance Fund if you are struggling to pay.

Points worth knowing

• Rate increases through CPUC proceedingsSoCalGas regularly files General Rate Cases with the CPUC requesting higher rates. These increases are typically approved in some form, and your bill can rise substantially over time.
• Disconnection for non-paymentIf you fall behind on your bill, SoCalGas can shut off your gas after providing a 48-hour final disconnection notice. Reconnection requires paying the overdue balance plus a reconnection fee.
• California electrification policies may reduce gas availabilityCalifornia's climate policies are actively discouraging natural gas. New construction gas bans are spreading across cities, and long-term, regulators may allow reduced investment in gas infrastructure (potentially affecting service quality).
• Estimated billing when meter is inaccessibleIf SoCalGas cannot read your meter, they will estimate your usage. Estimates can be significantly higher than actual usage, creating billing surprises.

Dates and deadlines

Monthly billing cycle

Bill arrives monthly, payment due within 19 days of the statement date

Disconnection notice period

48-hour final notice before gas can be shut off for non-payment

CARE recertification

Every 2 years you must recertify your income eligibility for the CARE discount