Gas company raises prices before winter storm, instructs parent of baby to "turn heat down" in -21° weather: 'If you have money, you can stay warm. If you don't, guess you'll freeze'

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Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
Jan 24, 2026 11:00 AM EST

On the eve of a major winter storm, this parent was totally stunned by the gas company's "advice". 

When you're expecting snow, you've got to prepare! We're on the eve of what's supposed to be a massive snowstorm, which are exceedingly rare these days. We hardly ever see more than a foot of snow around these parts, but this winter has been quite icy and dropped snow around various parts of the US with far more frequency than usual. 

The forecast is never perfect — sometimes the meteorologists call for 3 feet of snow, then we get a light dusting. But it's good to prepare for the worst, just in case. Being stocked up on food, having extra flashlights and batteries, and making sure to clear the snow from your doorstep every few hours are just a few things you can do to endure the storm. I know because I asked my own Mom how to prepare for the storm, and that was her good advice! Parents always want the best for their kids, whether they're babies, teens, or grown adults. And that's exactly what this parent below wants, too. In fact, they're asking for the bare minimum — they just want literal heat to keep their baby warm. 

That leads us to the utterly insane response from the gas company that they have to get their heat from. In some spots in the USA, you can't choose your provider. They might be the only choice for miles around. If you want heat, you'll just have to pay exactly how much they say, and it can be costly. 

They sounded the alarm, sharing that their gas company had the nerve to email them and say they're temporarily raising the prices. But don't worry — just in case you're thinking, "Wow, what a transparent cash-grab at the expense of vulnerable customers who can't refuse their service during a blizzard," the company assured this parent that they weren't doing that. I mean, by all accounts, that's what it looks like. In fact, I don't see how it could be anything besides a cash grab from a captive group of humans. But a company would never go on the internet and tell lies! That'd be crazy! 

Wow, just imagine if they were fleecing their customers, boosting prices during negative temperatures. Nay — their good word will surely warm customers during this storm. I'm sure their customers will be smiling from ear to ear, teeth chattering uncontrollably, while reading that email, knowing that the company is raising prices because it's in the customer's best interest. Sure, Jan! 

While there's not much this person can do, at least there are plenty of people on the internet who sympathize with them, as you can check out below. 

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  • 01

    'Temp is -21, gas company says turn your heat down'

    Child in red plaid jacket leans against parent in gray winter coat with snow in background
    via Getty Images For Unsplash+

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 02
    Got an email yesterday from our natural gas supplier talking about the recent weather in my area and how it will affect gas. First off, they are "temporarily" RAISING prices for gas. Second, they actually suggested turning our heat DOWN to
    via u/ridingtherainbow2210
  • 03
    conserve energy. It is -21F temperature where I am, windchill is -30F. I have a baby, I am not turning my heat down. I can't go to another supplier as this company very clearly has a monopoly in my area, which just adds to my frustration.
    via u/ridingtherainbow2210
  • 04
    So if you have money, you can stay warm. If you don't, guess you'll just freeze.
    via u/ridingtherainbow2210
  • 05
    They also said in the email with this occurrence they want to ensure customers they aren't making a profit off this. I don't understand how that's possible.
    via u/ridingtherainbow2210
  • 06
    Just needed to rant this morning. Hope you stay warm wherever you are!
    via u/ridingtherainbow2210
  • 07

    ...Not the takeaway most of us had, but thanks for your input

    FastPass... You don't truly realize how different people are until you see their thermostat settings. Some people absolutely need this advice
    via u/ridingtherainbow2210
  • 08

    Blankie-maxxing is the move!

    Muted_A... Similar temps here and I haven't adjusted the thermostat but I swear it's still somehow colder than usual in here. I
    via u/ridingtherainbow2210
  • 09
    have no problem turning it way down at night though, I am asleep under a ton of blankets then.
    via u/ridingtherainbow2210
  • 10
    deeweezul Natural gas moves slower and acts different when extremely cold, propane even more, so they may be concerned about too many trying to use too much at the
    via u/ridingtherainbow2210
  • 11
    same time for a prolonged period. I feel bad for the millions affected by this storm, especially those in the south where weatherization of infrastructure against extreme cold
    via u/ridingtherainbow2210
  • 12
    isn't really addressed because it is expensive and usually not a concern. It could be a long, really really cold couple of days. Good luck
    via u/ridingtherainbow2210
  • 13
    Woman in white hat and jacket holds toddler in gray hat in outdoor snowy setting while both smile
    via Getty Images For Unsplash+

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

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