Bad estimates mean shocking gas bills in NJ

A southern New Jersey utility company is apologizing for high estimates that resulted in seriously spiked natural gas bills for some customers.

South Jersey Gas tells the South Jersey Times that it is reaching out to 12,000 customers who were affected, arranging payment plans, and in some cases adjusting bills.

Some customers have reported receiving bills of $1,500 and then calling the company only to learn there was an eight-hour wait time to talk to a customer service representative.

Company spokesman Dan Lockwood says part of the issue was that February was unusually cold, causing increased gas usage.

But Lockwood says use estimates were off in some cases.

Sending workers to check customers’ meters could result in lower bills.