What Business Owners Should Know About SoCalGas's Rate Request: Public Hearings Nov. 9 and Dec. 9-10
SoCalGas has asked the CPUC for a $485 million revenue increase. Public hearings are Nov. 9 in El Monte and Dec. 9-10 by phone and webcast. Here's what business owners need to know and how to comment.
Shared for member awareness. CPUC case number A.26-06-014.
If your business uses natural gas, whether for a kitchen, a salon, a workshop, a fleet, or a building's heating, the price you pay is set in part by cases like this one. Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) has filed a General Rate Case application with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and the CPUC is holding public hearings where customers can speak directly to the Administrative Law Judge and/or Commissioner overseeing the case.
Whatever your view of the request, these hearings are the formal opportunity for business owners to put their operating realities on the record.
Hearing dates
Monday, November 9, 2026, 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. El Monte City Hall East, Council Chambers, 11333 Valley Blvd., El Monte, CA 91731.
Wednesday, December 9 and Thursday, December 10, 2026, 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Phone: 1-800-857-1917, passcode 1673482#. Webcast: adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc.
The 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM sessions give owners a way to attend before or after business hours. While a quorum of Commissioners may attend, no official action will be taken at these hearings. Para más información sobre esta reunión pública, llame al 1-800-342-4545.
What SoCalGas is requesting
SoCalGas is requesting an increase in revenue of $485 million, or 10.5%, from 2027-2028 to enhance safety, modernize and maintain the natural gas system, meet compliance requirements driven by government regulations, improve technology, and address rising costs like insurance.
SoCalGas is also seeking a formula to address inflation and additional capital investments that, if approved, would increase revenues for 2029-2031 by an additional 5.5-6.2% annually.
What it could mean for your bill
The CPUC's notice gives one example: the average residential customer using 35 therms per month would see an increase of approximately $5.67 per month if the full request is approved. The notice does not give a figure for business customers, and actual impacts vary by usage, baseline territory, customer class, and other factors. To understand how the request could affect your own account, review your recent gas bills and contact SoCalGas at GRCCaseMgmt@semprautilities.com or 1-800-427-2200.
Why business owners may want to take part
Energy is an operating cost. Changes in rates flow into pricing, margins, and planning, especially for energy-intensive businesses.
The record is built from testimony and comments. The Administrative Law Judge considers evidence, testimony, and public comments before drafting a proposed decision, and Commissioners then vote on a final decision at a public meeting.
Small and diverse-owned businesses are often underrepresented in proceedings like this. Hearing from a range of customers helps the decision-makers see the full picture.
How to participate
1. Speak at a hearing on November 9 (in person) or December 9-10 (phone or webcast).
2. Submit a written comment on the CPUC case page.
3. Ask questions about the process at the CPUC Public Advisor's Office: Public.Advisor@cpuc.ca.gov, 1-866-849-8390, 505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102.
4. Request interpretation or accommodations from the Public Advisor's Office at least five days before the hearing you plan to attend.
Please reference A.26-06-014 in any communication with the CPUC.
If you do share your thoughts, consider including what your business does, how you use natural gas, and how energy costs affect your operations. Specifics from real businesses are what make testimony useful.