Readers are frustrated with high gas bills from Atmos Energy. Some also expressed disappointment after I was unable to get clear and direct answers from the company on the subject.
Since emotions are high, I’m sharing a sampling of readers’ comments. Each commenter gave me permission to use their name and city of residence. What follows are lightly edited excerpts.
What readers are saying
“Our bill seems to go up when the price of natural gas goes down.” – Scott Winton, Dallas
“I dislike this a la carte billing by utility companies. The unit price is almost impossible to determine.” – Jim Sherrard, Plano
“My bills were ridiculous this year. I did have [Atmos] come out and check for leaks. All was normal. I had two bills that were close to $500 per month. It had never been that high. My house is 3,000 square feet, and I keep it at 69 degrees.” – Robert Grossman, Dallas
“This resonates in a big way. … Something needs to change.” – Paul Wnek, Frisco
“I’ve been trying to analyze why my gas bill from Atmos has gone through the roof. But I was stumped as to how to compare natural gas prices and other variables that affect the bill.” – Cary Metke, Flower Mound
“So, yeah. Atmos is fishy, to say the least.” – Aram Azadpour, Grapevine
“You didn’t ask the obvious question. Would it be a crime if Atmos said their policy is to pass through without markup, but actually mark it up? Your article says the gas recovery charge is the biggest piece of the bill. If they’re marking it up two or three times, then isn’t this a mammoth issue?” – Everett Truitt, Dallas
“I have had Atmos come out three times to check why my bill is so high — with no explanation [given] except ‘gas prices are higher.’” – Michele Rowe, University Park
“Over a year ago I contacted Atmos about the extremely high prices we paid, and I received a similar response that Atmos passes through the cost of its gas purchases to consumers with no markup. I believe Atmos’ response to be 100% true. But it did not answer the question I asked: ’Why is the market price for gas near $3 per [thousand cubic feet] yet my bill says the cost of gas is over $10?’ Which one is right?” – Dave Mueller, Plano
“The bottom line is that Atmos is definitely dealing with smoke and mirrors here and their regulator, the Texas Railroad Commission, is remiss for not holding their tootsies to the fire. At the least, there is intentional obfuscation in Atmos’ billing practices, and at worst, they are a monopoly and can do whatever they please. – Philip Mendershausen, Dallas
“Though you were not able to get an answer from Atmos, your reporting at least helped me understand my bill a bit more and partially answer why my bill is three times higher.” – Gary Hardee, Dallas
“My bills were incorrect. I suggest that if you are finding your bills wacky to get in touch with them and have them check the meter. And that you go out and make sure all the dials are working.” – Margaret Schectman of Richardson, whose meter stopped, resulting in bills of zero. When Atmos discovered the issue, it billed her based on her estimated usage.
“I must say that we’re disappointed that it appears you have caved regarding the Atmos questions. Is it really only because they won’t be more transparent?” – John Flynn, Southlake
“We should make some good trouble to highlight the monopoly and no oversight for transparent communications.” – Dennis Magill, Coppell
“Our elected officials should issue a mandate and require full, fair and transparent disclosure of each item that goes into your natural gas bill and your electricity bill. – Michael Dorbandt, Dallas
“You state that [gas cost recovery — GCR] is the cost of gas and transportation charges. It seems reasonable to me that it could cost as much to transport the gas as it costs to buy it on the open market.” – Brian Erickson, Dallas
“A lot of people have been surprised at the amounts billed lately, including me. We need the answer.” – John Genchur, Plano
“Talking to people at Atmos [about this] will not produce substantive results.” – Bill Wilson, Dallas
Oh boy, you’re telling me.
Note: The Watchdog checked in with Atmos spokesperson Kristin Goodspeed, who pointed me to an American Gas Association report. The report states that the first three months of 2025 “was one for the records books” mostly because of bone-chilling January temperatures.
“It may also help to remember that each of these factors contribute to a customer’s monthly bill,” she said: amount of natural gas used; natural gas commodity cost (which is a pass-through to customers); customer and facility or delivery charges; and taxes and fees.
She recommends visiting Atmos’ “understanding your bill” webpage.
