The price of natural gas is 3 times what it was 3 years ago.
If the utilities could not raise prices, then everywhere would be a repeat of california. Period.
That was one of the major market flaws in the cali market. (Add on to that, the fucking they took from enron and many others...)
If the .gov put a price cap on nat gas, what would happen.... We all know.
The price is the price. If the utilites could not sell for a profit, even a regulated one, then they would shut down, and you would have no electricity or gas in the home.
It sucks, but it is what it is. I suggest you explore and do a cost benefit analysis of every alternative you can find, from heating oil to wood burning stoves, to solar power to charge a battery run an electric heater.
If it's time for new appliances, get the most efficient you can. Follow the simple rules, don't run a half empty dishwasher. If you can wash clothes in cold water, do it. Add insulation to the house. When it's hot, close the shades, when it's cold, but sunny, open them up. Fans on year round.
It will not get much better in the foreseeable future.
TXL