Skyrocketing Electric Bill? 14 Things to Keep You Cozy That Won’t Break the Bank!
Electric bills are skyrocketing and so are gas prices. It’s going to be hard to keep warm this winter with out breaking the bank! But we are here to help, people. Who says you need to kick up the thermostat to keep cozy?
But first:
What is happening with electricity?
The high price of natural gas. It’s used to generate the power. And the sticker shock this winter will leave you feeling cold.
“The monthly bill of a typical residential electric customer using 600 kWh (kilowatt-hours) will increase from $179 in the winter 2021-2022 season, to approximately $293 for the winter 2022-2023 season,” National Grid told WCVB-TV.
Um, that’s a 64% increase year-over-year.
Here’s what the energy companies are saying.
National Grid says the increase is driven by electric supply rates and that the company has “worked to keep the delivery portion of the bill essentially flat,” they told WCVB.
Eversource said it plans to file proposed rate changes with the Department of Public Utilities around mid-November, for changes to take effect on Jan. 1.
Natural gas rates are also rising. In Boston, a National Grid residential heating bill is expected to increase about $50 a month. Colonial Gas residential heating customer will see an increase of $47 or compared last year.
Eversource said its proposed natural gas rates, scheduled to take effect on Nov. 1, would increase prices by about 38% or $86 for customers and 25% or $61 for those in the former Columbia Gas territory, Boston.com reported.
Of course, the companies are trying to help. Sort of.
National Grid announced a “Winter Customer Savings Initiative” that highlights energy-saving tips and payment assistance programs. Eversource also shared its link to energy efficiency programs.
Massachusetts also offers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps eligible households pay a portion of their winter bills.
But we have better ideas!
These 14 items will save you money AND from yelling at your kids for complaining it’s cold while they’re wearing shorts and a t-shirt on a 30 degree day!
