Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    PortChicago's Avatar
    PortChicago Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jan 1, 2016, 07:59 AM
    Tell me possible cause of PG&E Gas usage shooting up sky high all of a sudden
    As far as I know our only form of gas usage would be from our water heater.
    Our PG&E gas usage has been costing us less then $20 a month,that is until last month when it ran up to $60 some bucks and now this month it's managed to run up to $93!
    We haven't been doing anything any differently and I'm really concerned about what may be the cause for this sudden & shocking,outrageous increase in gas usage that is obviously continuing to raise.
    Please help me out by giving some possible explanations on what could be the source of this here problem.
    Thank you
    Only wash in cold water & use dishwasher on hot water when it's a totally full load,always take quick showers. Nothing out of our ordinary.
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jan 1, 2016, 08:44 AM
    First check the meter readings on the billing statement against the meter reading on the meter. Allow for usage between meter reading dates and present date. Also check billing statement for changes in cost per therm. Also check temperature setting on water heater to insure that it has not been changed by someone.

    If readings coincide, turn off gas valve at the water heater over night. Read meter before retiring for the night and in the morning before turning valve back on. Yes, you will have to relight water heater and delay morning showers. If meter readings have changed you possible have a leak between the meter and the water heater shut off valve or you have something else that is gas fired.

    If meter readings have changed repeat the next night, this time turning off gas at the meter. If meter readings have changed this time call gas company.
    talaniman's Avatar
    talaniman Posts: 54,325, Reputation: 10855
    Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jan 1, 2016, 09:00 AM
    I would certainly review my bills for usage and RATE HIKES, as well a make sure temperature setting on water heater haven't been changed. Where are you as I did find this in California,

    PG&E rate hike approved by state public utility officials | Santa Cruz News - KSBW Home

    But your username implies you are in Chicago?
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Jan 1, 2016, 10:40 AM
    Two things could be happening:

    1. You have a gas leak
    2. Misread Gas Meter

    Most of the gas leaks happen in buried pipe ( pool, BBQ ). Misreading meter happens all the time. Suggestion: Pay close attention to your gas usage. Wait for the next bill. See if it is still high.

    Milo
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #5

    Jan 1, 2016, 11:46 AM
    When reading a gas meter, pay close attention to which way the dial turns. Some turn clockwise, some turn counterclockwise.
    Attached Images
     
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #6

    Jan 1, 2016, 03:51 PM
    If you have any hot water pipes that go underground (slab home) then the fIrst thing I'd look at is to see if there was a leak in an underground hot water pipe. Here, look at your water meter when you are sure no one is using water... if the leak detector is spinning you probably have a leaky hot water pipe... maybe? Just another thing to look for (that and the forthcoming water/sewer bill... Ugh!).

    Mark
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
    current pert
    		  
    #7

    Jan 1, 2016, 04:20 PM
    Hope this isn't too obvious - what heats your house? When did you move in?
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #8

    Jan 2, 2016, 01:46 PM
    Hello Portchicago,

    Follow Mark's instruction to fine out if you any under ground water leak, open the link below will gave you an idea how to check the meter, Thanks.

    John

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8_s...eature=related
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

High propane usage [ 2 Answers ]

I just got my propane bill and was surprised as to how much I used- 263 gallons for 3 months. I'm not home much and keep thermostat low. I have an underground tank and furnace 5 years old. Goodman GMNT-120-5. The label on the furnace says energy efficient, but I don't see it especially...

High side pressure sky rockets what causes this? [ 18 Answers ]

I have a 1994 chevy blazer fullsize v8 , I have replaced condenser, accumulator, compressor, and orfice tube, I pull a vacuum no leaks, I can get one to one and a half cans in and when compressor is on the high side pressure just gets high over 400 psi I just shut it off, I am very frustrated and...

High CPU usage [ 4 Answers ]

I am on windows 7 ultimate here is my hijackthis log: Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2 Scan saved at 10:35:28 PM, on 12/1/2009 Platform: Unknown Windows (WinNT 6.01.3504) MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.7600.16385) Boot mode: Normal

High CPU usage and LUCallbackProxy [ 2 Answers ]

Hi - I have a 2.3GHz XPS laptop and its usually very fast. Recently it has frozen for a minute or longer, with 100% CPU usage which registers as "system idle process" and will not respond. I understand that System Idle Process is supposed to work in the background when CPU is not needed, but...

View more questions Search