SEALY OFFICIALS ADDRESS MONUMENTAL GAS PAYMENT

  

Sealy city officials say they are facing an unprecedented gas bill, approximately 20 times higher than normal.

Due to the extent of the extreme conditions during the week of February 14th, electricity and natural gas resources were being consumed in high demand which impacted the prices for such utilities.

As a gas provider, authorities with the City of Sealy say they are now faced with a $2,064,000 bill for the natural gas used by its 1,300 customers.  The typical bill for monthly natural gas consumption received by the City is between $70,000 to $100,000.

At a special meeting this week, the Sealy City Council determined a path forward for the City and its natural gas customers.  The City must pay the bill by next Saturday.  The Council voted to pay this bill by borrowing funds from the City’s water and sewer enterprise fund and repaying those funds over time.

Moreover, the City will provide its natural gas customers with information in the next bill on setting up a payment plan.  If a natural gas customer has auto debit associated with their gas payment, the City will disable the function to prevent automatic debit of a large, unexpected gas bill.

Customers will need to pay to the City by check or other acceptable means for the time being. If a customer desires to pay their bill immediately, in full, they can direct the City staff to keep their debit on by calling 979-885-3511.