PADUCAH — As we finally get some relief from the oppressive heat, some of you are paying the price of high electric bills that are arriving in mailboxes. And it’s not just in our area.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration showed a 17% increase in electricity bills this summer compared to 2021.
It’s also affecting local non-profits. Some are seeing more people needing electricity and utility assistance. The Paducah Cooperative Ministry says June and July are the months they get the most requests. Family Service Society says that on Friday alone—before lunch—they already had to deny five households utility assistance because they ran out of funds this week.
Jackson Purchase Energy’s VP of Communications, Mark Lindsey.
After finally getting some relief from high temperatures these last couple of days, your energy bill is likely on the rise now. But there are things you can do to help with that.
“Their main thing is obviously the big appliances like the heating and cooling unit, water heater, things like that. So get that serviced. Programmable thermostats is always a really good idea to bump that temperature up while you’re gone during the day. And then keep your shades and blinds closed to not let all that heat in,” said Jackson Purchase Energy’s VP of Communications, Mark Lindsey.
And to keep the cool air inside your house? “You might want to just check your insulation to make sure you have proper and adequate insulation in your attic,” he said.
Candace Nichols, with the Family Service Society
Candace Nichols, with the Family Service Society, says they get the most requests for utility assistance during the summer months. “Several of our clients have come in and said that their utility bills are twice as high this year than they were the same month last year,” she said.
And the increased bills have ripple effects in other parts of their lives. “We are seeing a lot of people come into us to get food assistance because they spent all their money on their utilities this month, and they just don’t have enough to stretch to also cover their food expenses,” she said.
Nichols says there are ways you can help: you can donate money, food, or volunteer. Click here for more information.