HOMEOWNERS and renters in a key US state are complaining that their energy bills have significantly jumped in recent months.
As the temperatures climb this summer, several customers have received bills nearing $800.
Residents in a key US state have been hit with shocking energy bills nearing $800[/caption]
This summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record around the world, with some areas experiencing record-breaking temperatures.
The high heat is driving up electricity bills, which were projected to jump to an average of $784 from June to September – or $196 per month – per NEADA, marking a 12-year record.
Over in Georgia, however, residents are shelling out much more than the average.
Georgia Power users in the Atlanta area are reporting surprisingly high energy bills, per local outlet WSB-TV.
Some customers have seen their costs climb by more than $300 despite keeping their thermostat settings consistent.
Georgia Power customers Brenda Lankfert and Michael Reff, for example, were both hit with bills nearing $800.
Low-cost tips to stay cool this summer
Here are some tips to help you keep cool this hot season and save money on energy costs:
- Close the curtains during daylight hours
- Change the filters on your AC unit and ensure it is operating as efficiently as possible
- Run the blades of your fan counterclockwise to push the cold air downward
- Avoid using appliances like your oven, dishwasher, or dryer, which emit heat when in use
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothes indoors
- Sleep with sheets instead of heavy blankets
- Drink lots of water and use ice to lower your body temperature
Source: AARP
“We’ve had hot days, but that’s a huge leap,” Reff told the outlet, shocked that he had seen a 117% jump in his power bill month-over-month.
Lankfert was similarly surprised by her roughly $780 bill, with $490 stemming from one air conditioning unit and more than $290 to another.
“I said, ‘How can I pay this?’” she said. “I don’t run my units cold. I keep my house about 78 degrees year-round.”
Georgia Power responded to WSB-TV’s request for comment, blaming the high prices on this July being one of the hottest in nearly 10 years in Georgia, with temperatures averaging two to five degrees above normal.
“When temperatures rise, so does energy use. Even with seasonal spikes… our rates have averaged 15% below the national average since 1990,” said the spokesperson.
Customers should be aware that electricity prices are higher during peak hours from 2 pm to 7 pm.
Georgia Power advised residents to use resources including the Community Assistance Resource Locator, Income Qualified Portal, and EASE Program to help manage their energy bills.
Georgia Power currently serves roughly 2.7 million customers in 155 of the state’s 159 counties, making it the largest electric utility in Georgia.
HELPING HAND
Residents of Georgia, among other states, have access to several programs aimed at lending a helping hand with energy bills.
For example, Georgia Power users with a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can receive a $33.50 monthly discount on their energy bill.
Known as the Income-Qualified Discount, this amounts to $402 in savings on an annual basis.
“The discount is limited solely to the metered electric service and fuel cost recovery components of a customer’s bill and does not apply to sales taxes or any other aspect of the bill,” says Georgia Power’s website.
Last May, the utility company expanded the Income-Qualified Discount to make the discount available to tens of thousands of additional customers annually, per a press release.
Georgia Power’s expanded discount
Georgia Power users must meeting one or more of the following criteria in order to qualify for the expanded discount program:
- Be 65 years of age or older, with a household meeting the income qualification requirements (a combined household income that is 200% or less of the federal poverty level – $30,120 – adjusted for household size)
- Receive Social Security Disability Insurance
- Receive Supplemental Security Income
- Participate in the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program (HUD Section 8)
It now offers substantial support in covering utility costs for seniors, SSI recipients, and more.
“Georgia Power believes that everyone should have access to clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, we understand that energy costs are an important part of every family’s budget, and we want to be there when our customers need us the most,” Latanza Adjei, senior vice president of customer experience, said in the press release.
“The expanded Income-Qualified Discount is just one example of how we work with the Georgia PSC to develop programs to meet the needs of our customers.
“We’re committed to connecting customers – including senior citizens, those with one-time or ongoing special needs, and those with limited incomes – with the right programs and resources that can aid them in lowering and paying their bills.”
As Georgians pay more and more money for their energy bills, electricity bills in another US state are projected to spike by $130 for each household after a policy switch.
As energy prices rise, see how a “vampire solution” will cut $200 off your electricity bills this summer – an expert’s tip offers four little-known benefits.
Georgia Power customers with a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can receive $33.50 off their energy bill each month[/caption]
Energy bills are expected to reach an average of $784 this summer[/caption]
