Natural gas bill rising in California, mayor to start relief fund

LONG BEACH, Calif. (CBS, KYMA/KECY) - $435.65. That's how much Michelle Lopez just paid for her natural gas bill in Long Beach.

"I mean it doesn’t feel good, but I have to pay it."

A pain many Californians are feeling.

"Around $200 is that what you normally pay. No, I normally pay half that," Lopez continued.

Global price increases

Natural gas prices are up all across the state. According to utility companies, its due to soaring global price increases.

There is also a higher demand because of colder than average temperatures on the West Coast.

Susan Weisberg is doing what she can to avoid using her heater.

"We throw a little throw over us now. Instead of turning on the heat at night, we freeze a little more in the morning before we’re getting ready to leave."

However, it may not be enough, according to her latest bill.

"About $150 and now we’re pay a little over $300," Weisberg spoke.

Mayor responds

In Long Beach, gas is paid through the city. On average utilities rates are a bit lower here. However, the mayor has felt the crunch.

"I’m the first mayor with small kids and I live in north Long Beach and I have seen the impact as well but I think there are folks that are going to feel it a lot more than I will and that’s who I’m mostly concerned about."

Mayor Rex Richardson has called for an emergency meeting this week. He will start a relief fund; focused on low income families, disabled and senior residents to off set high natural gas bills.

"And it doesn’t feel right to collect taxes on a surplus, and share it back with families having difficult time," Richardson further said.

This relief fund would also potentially be for families like Lopez's, who has a full house.

"I have three grandkids; its hard, but I work a lot of overtime but thank god my husband makes good money," Lopez said.