Some residents in Gilmer County are experiencing “sticker shock” this winter, with utility bills costing more than ever, but there is relief for those that need help paying.
Joan Fox, a homeowner in the Coosawattee River Resort, said her electric bill from Georgia Power tripled this January, compared to last year.
“My bill has gone from an average of $90 a month, to almost $450 this month,” Fox noted. “It’s ridiculous … Everybody is complaining, I mean everybody.”
Fox said she’s lucky to be able to afford these increases, adding, “I’m in a better position than a lot of people, but I’m sure there’s people that are freezing.”
Ken and Sandy Edelson also live in Coosawattee, and have seen their Georgia Power bill jump from $300-350 last January, to $650 this year.
“In almost 20 years, it has never been anywhere remotely close,” Ken stated. “I understand that increases of 5 to 10 percent are not unusual, but a 100 percent increase is unfathomable.”
Higher prices can partially be explained by Georgia Power’s most recent spike in rates. At the start of January, residents’ bills increased by 3.5 percent.
“Since June of 2023, -an a-ver-age customer would ha-ve seen an approximate- 13 percent tot-al increase for the sa-me amount of power used,” Amanda Arnold, a media relations specialist at Georgia Power explained in response to Gilmer’s exorbitant bills.
The company states its rate hikes, occurring periodically since 2022, are to account for base electric rate increases, fuel expenses and the cost of completing nuclear units at Plant Vogtle.
Meanwhile, heating is responsible for up to 50 percent of a home’s typical winter energy usage, according to Georgia Power. In a season where multiple winter storms brought snow and ice to the county, bills are being impacted by low temperatures even more.
While some can manage the increases in their bills through winter, how can residents, who may be struggling financially, heat their homes?
Utility assistance programs
North Georgia Community Action (NGCA) is a nonprofit that helps provide bill assistance to vulnerable people through the state-funded, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
In December, they accept applications from those 65 and older for heating assistance through the winter months, based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants just need to provide their most recent utility bills, proof of income, a valid Social Security number and photo I.D.
“A lot of people aren’t aware of the program,” Candy Carringer, the director of the NGCA Gilmer County office, explained. “They think ‘oh I make too much money,’ but really anyone that’s on Social Security pretty much qualifies for it.”
Once seniors get the help they need, any extra funding benefits other low-income households that applied for the program through January, and are on a waiting list.
“We do the most vulnerable population, which is 65 and older, first,” Carringer noted. “Then if fundings are left, or if we receive additional funding through LIHEAP, we will start calling the general public, and that’s based on first-come, first-serve as well.”
When asked if there were more applicants for energy assistance this winter, Carringer said, “We probably averaged about 350 in the past, and we’re over 450 this year, so yes, it has definitely increased.”
Applications are closed for assistance this winter through NGCA, but they will be accepting applications for cooling assistance starting in April for those 65 and older, and May for low-income households.
While NGCA focuses on energy assistance for elderly people, the nonprofit, Faith, Hope and Charity Recycle Store (FHC), helps people who can’t afford to pay their bills in an emergency situation.
“We help with power bills that are past due,” FHC benevolence director Cheryl Worley said. “It has to be past due before we can help you. You kind of have to get in the gutter before we can pull you out.”
Worley said to apply for assistance to pay past due utility bills, you can bring your Social Security card and the bill to their benevolence office to be interviewed.
The office is in the FHC Recycle Store, at 449 Industrial Blvd. It’s open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling to pay their utility bills this winter, reach out to FHC. They will be able to work with you on finding the right resources you need.
Through the rest of this year’s colder months, there are small changes you can make to heat your home in a more cost-effective way.
Tips to save through winter
To save on your bill, both Amicalola EMC and Georgia Power recommend setting your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, reporting that a 3 to 4 percent increase in energy use can be expected for every degree you set the thermostat higher.
On Georgia Power’s website, they have listed additional energy-saving tips. One includes using electric blankets, to be able to lower your thermostat setting. Changing the filter in your heating system is also recommended.
Residents are also suggested to keep blinds and shades open during the day, letting the sun heat your home for free. Make sure to close them at night to reduce chill coming in from cold windows.
Cracking, peeling caulk or weather stripping around doors and windows should be replaced. This can save up to 10 percent on energy use, according to Georgia Power.
Amicalola EMC provides resources on their website to help people understand their energy bills, and how they can save. For example, you can use their “space heater calculator” to figure out how much it’s costing you to run.