As temperatures plunge, electric bills are doing the opposite.
Many consumers are experiencing sticker shock when they open their energy bills this month due to a long cold snap last month and rising prices.
The good news is help is available, and local power companies are expanding their customer relief funds.
“There have been energy cost changes, and everybody’s seen those,” said Nils Hagen-Frederiksen with the Public Utilities Commission. “And depending on your utility, there may have been a base rate change recently.”
The energy supply side of customers’ bills went up for every utility on December 1st when prices reset.
Couple that with high food costs and other increasing expenses, and consumers are struggling to pay.
“We share our customers’ frustration, and we’re doing all we can to keep the bills as low as possible,” said Candice Womer with PECO.
PECO, Atlantic City Electric, and Delmarva Power are providing additional dollars to their customer relief funds.
Eligible A-C Electric and Delmarva customers can now receive one-time grants of $500. That’s up from $300.
PECO customers can receive $750 and PECO is expanding eligibility requirements on March 1.
So, for example, families of four making anything less than $96,000 can benefit.
“In addition to grants, we have energy efficiency programs, we have flexible payment plans, we also have budget billing, payment arrangements,” said Womer.
“If people are struggling to pay their bills, they really need to call you because there are programs available for everyone?” asked Nydia Han.
“If they’re struggling, give us call. We do want to work them,” replied Womer.
The key is to call right away if you can’t pay. That’s better than letter unpaid bills pile up.
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