Santa Monica : Gas Co. Changes Opposed

The City Council voted Tuesday to oppose Southern California Gas Co.’s proposed rate hikes and policy changes that critics contend will reduce customer services and could pose a safety hazard.

The action was taken at the request of representatives from the consumer group Save Our Services and the Wages for Housework Campaign, who told the council that the proposed changes would hurt the poor.

One disputed issue is the gas company’s policy that allows gas to not be turned off in vacant residential units. The consumer groups disagree with the gas company’s contention that leaving the gas on is safe. Gas Co. District Manager Bob Nicksin urged the council to stay out of what he said was essentially a labor dispute over modernizing procedures that would cost workers’ jobs.