Clinton-Newberry Natural Gas Authority defends price increase at first public meeting since bill spike

NEWBERRY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) — The Clinton-Newberry Natural Gas Authority stood by its recent price increase Thursday, blaming winter weather for driving up the cost of gas. Customers who attended the meeting said they left without the answers they came for.

“I do not feel that they answered questions,” said Molly Fortune, a Newberry resident. “I felt it was more of a runaround.”

CNNGA acknowledged it raised customers’ bills — in some cases up to 50% higher than usual. Many customers said they were not notified in advance and only learned of the increase when their bill arrived.

The authority denied the increase constitutes price gouging.

“Under the understanding of price gouging laws, it does not fit that definition and we don’t believe that it is because one we didn’t set the price of the gas, it was passed to us from the people that we bought it from,” a CNNGA representative said. “So that’s the difference.”

Customers had hoped the meeting would offer a transparent exchange, but attendees were only allowed to submit questions by writing them on note cards. The board then filtered through the questions.

“It felt like they didn’t want to dive down,” Fortune said.

Fox Carolina requested a direct interview with the board following Thursday’s meeting but was told one would not take place. A scheduled interview for a later date was offered instead.

“Get some training,” Fortune said. “Let’s get some training so you can answer the tough questions that are going to be asked.”

CNNGA also disclosed Thursday that employees received a $750 Christmas gift in 2025.

State Rep. Joe White, who represents District 40 and attended the meeting, said the board did not fully address the public’s concerns.

“The truth is none of them were completely answered,” White said.

White said he plans to introduce a bill in the House on Friday that would hold gas companies accountable when prices spike without warning.

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