Americans rage as they're hit with 'insane' December 1 electricity bill increase
AMERICANS are outraged as utility bills increase ahead of the new year.
Homeowners are posting online, calling out the “insane” rising rates.
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Electric prices in Pennsylvania are set to rise on December 1, according to CBS News.
Customers were alerted to the change by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Prices are being raised because generation/supply charges, which cover energy use, are increasing for utility companies across the state.
The commission encouraged residents to call their utility companies and discuss affordability options.
The price increases vary per neighborhood.
Pittsburgh residents in the Dugquesne area will experience a 10% price increase, and West Penn Power’s will jump by 6%.
West Penn Power and FirstEnergy spokesperson Chris Hoenig said the generation/supply charges are separate from the delivery charge.
While customers should brace for a supply charge increase, delivery prices will stay the same.
Hoenig said West Penn customers should expect their bills to increase by 3%.
Hoenig said the increase is being driven by supply and demand.
AI data centers and the increase of devices and appliances in homes contribute to the demand increase, according to Hoenig.
Those struggling to pay bills can receive assistance from their electric companies.
“Let our experts walk through everything with you and help try and get you lined up with the assistance programs that are right for you,” Hoenig said.
Although residents can receive financial assistance, many Pennsylvanians are unhappy with the changes.
Energy Bill Relief Credits
Michigan:
- Starting January 1, qualifying customers with Consumer Energy can file a claim to receive a $250 credit.
- The credit will be automatically applied to customers’ bills.
- In order to be eligible, residents’ incomes must be below 100% of the federal poverty line.
North Dakota:
- Residents in North Dakota can score up to $1,100 toward the energy bills through LIHEAP.
- Heat assistance will be distributed between October 1 and May 31.
- Residents can receive anywhere from $6 to $1,100, depending on their income and household size.
Tennessee:
- The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) is offering energy help to all 95 counties in the state.
- Residents can submit their LIHEAP applications to the THDA starting on November 1.
- The benefit amount ranges from $174 to $750.
One Facebook user simply commented: “Disgusting.”
“This is insane and need to stop,” another wrote.
“They raise the rates every 6 months!”
Another said that their electricity bill is already “through the roof.”
“It is very sad. I feel so bad for people,” another Facebook user commented.
“Best decision I ever made was to move out of Pennsylvania and when I got my house to get a fireplace, I do not pay for my heat at all and when I lived in Lynnwood, it killed me my electric bill was like $600 sometimes more because I had baseboard heaters.”