PADUCAH — As we finally get some relief from the sweltering heat, some of you are paying the price with high energy bills that are mailed to your mailbox. This doesn’t just happen in our area.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that electricity bills this summer will increase by 17% compared with 2021.
It also affects local nonprofits. Some are seeing more people need power and utility assistance. The Paducah Partnership says June and July are the months they receive the most requests. Home Services said it had already had to deny utility assistance to five families just before lunch on Friday because they ran out of money this week.
Mark Lindsey, vice president of communications for Jackson Purchasing Energy.
After finally getting some relief from the heat over the past few days, your energy bills may be going up now. But there are some things you can do to help solve the problem.
“Their main products are obviously large appliances such as heating and cooling units, water heaters, etc. So get them serviced. Programmable thermostats are always a very good idea to increase the temperature when you are out during the day. Then turn off Blinds and shutters to keep the heat out,” said Mark Lindsey, vice president of communications for Jackson Purchasing Energy.
And keep the air cool inside the house? “You may just want to check your insulation to make sure you have proper and adequate insulation in your attic,” he says.
Candace Nichols with Family Services Association
Candace Nichols with Home Services said they receive the most requests for utility assistance during the summer. “Some of our customers have come in and said their utility bills this year are double what they were in the same month last year,” she said.
Increased bills can have a knock-on effect on other aspects of their lives. “We're seeing a lot of people come to us for food assistance because they've spent all their money on utility bills this month and they don't have enough money to pay for food,” she said.
Nichols said there are many ways you can help: You can donate money, food or volunteer. Click here for more information.
