LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Kentucky Utilities customers are seeing higher electricity bills this winter as costs rise compared to recent months.
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Drew Gardner, a spokesperson for Kentucky Utilities, said weather and energy usage are the two primary factors driving customer bills. The prolonged cold across the Commonwealth directly influenced January pricing.
“If the temperature is 15 degrees outside and you have your thermostat set at 62, you’re talking about almost a 50-degree temperature difference that your HVAC system is having to make up, so that is just using a lot more energy, and that does end up showing up on customer bills,” Gardner said.
Temperature comparison shows minimal difference
Some customers reported paying more than they did last January, but meteorological data shows temperatures were nearly the same.
WKYT First Alert Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey said this January averaged 28.5 degrees, while last January averaged 28.8 degrees.
“From a meteorological perspective, January of 25 and January of 26 were about as close as you could get in terms of the numbers; they were only separated by point 3 degrees, very similar to each other,” Bailey said.
He noted that Kentucky saw only two additional days below freezing this January.
Rate increases and customer credits
Kentucky Utilities put a rate increase into effect this year.
An interim 11.5% rate hike began Jan. 1, but state regulators later approved a lower fixed increase of 6.54%, which took effect Monday.
Because of the difference, Gardner said KU customers will receive a credit covering January and part of February.
Assistance programs available
Kentucky Utilities provides tips and programs to help customers lower costs during cold weather. Customers can complete an online survey about their energy use to receive personalized energy-saving recommendations and a kit with tools to improve efficiency.
“We encourage our customers, you know, to look at those programs and sign up because together they can all make a difference on their bill, especially when we see these periods of extreme weather,” Gardner said.
The utility also offers payment plans for customers struggling with higher electricity bills. Gardner advises customers to seek assistance before facing disconnection.
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