Residents of Bowling Green Urged to Manage Energy Bills as Cold Weather Hits

News Summary

With Bowling Green facing an unusually cold winter and record low temperatures, residents are experiencing rising energy bills due to increased heating needs. Utility companies, including Atmos Energy and BGMU, are advising on programs like budget billing and levelized payments to help residents manage these costs. Additionally, assistance options are available through local charities and agencies for those struggling to keep up with their energy bills during this peak winter period.

Residents of Bowling Green Urged to Manage Energy Bills as Cold Weather Hits

Bowling Green is experiencing an unusually cold winter, with temperatures plunging to record lows. As a result, utility companies are feeling the heat too, as many residents are reporting skyrocketing energy bills due to increased consumption for heating their homes. Local utility companies, including Atmos Energy and Bowling Green Municipal Utilities (BGMU), are stepping in to offer some essential advice to help residents manage their payments more effectively during this chilly season.

Why Are Bills Going Up?

The icy weather has led to a surge in energy usage, causing many residents to wonder why their bills seem so high this winter. According to Atmos Energy, they have seen a notable spike in calls from customers concerned about their energy costs. This issue is pretty common during winter months, especially when Mother Nature decides to hit us with notable cold snaps.

Tips from Atmos Energy

One of the best ways Atmos Energy suggests residents manage their bills is through a program known as budget billing. This program enables customers to average their energy payments over a complete year, which helps alleviate the usual ups and downs of seasonal payment fluctuations. By signing up for this option, people can experience more predictable monthly bills.

To qualify for budget billing, residents must be in good standing—meaning no overdue payments or debts owed to the company. It’s also essential that customers have at least 12 months of payment history with Atmos Energy to establish an accurate average. The earlier you enroll in this program, the easier it’ll be to accumulate credits that will come in handy during those frigid winter months.

If a customer decides to close their budget billing account, any remaining credits will be refunded, providing some extra relief when needed the most.

BGMU’s Levelized Payments

Over at Bowling Green Municipal Utilities, there’s a similar option available referred to as levelized payments. This program uses the actual meter consumption from the current month, averaged alongside the last 11 months, to determine how much residents need to pay. Just like budget billing, customers need to stay in good standing without any past-due balances to enroll.

For those interested in BGMU’s program, contacting a customer service representative at 270-782-1200 is the way to go. They’ll help set you up and answer any queries you might have.

Finding Financial Help

Utility companies recognize that not everyone can comfortably manage their energy bills, especially during peak winter months. If you’re feeling the financial pinch, both Atmos Energy and BGMU encourage residents to explore options for financial assistance through local community action agencies. These organizations are designed to offer support to those who need a little extra help making ends meet.

A great resource for residents is the 211 help line, a free and confidential number that connects individuals with local agencies that assist with energy bills. Community Action of Southern Kentucky, St. Vincent de Paul, Churches United, and the BG-WC Welfare Center are just a few of the organizations dedicated to helping folks navigate tough times.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Additionally, Atmos Energy collaborates with local agencies, including the Salvation Army, to ensure that help is readily available for residents in need. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your rising energy bills during this frigid winter, remember that there’s support available. Whether you take advantage of budgeting options or seek assistance from local organizations, help is out there!

Residents in Bowling Green can take proactive steps now to keep energy bills manageable, making winter just a bit more bearable.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Ontario Implements 25% Electric Export Tax: Implications for Minnesota
Warren County Public Schools Implements Non-Traditional Instruction Day
New Executive Order Threatens Jobs and Utility Grants in Huntsville

Additional Resources

• Bowling Green Daily News
• WBKO News
• Toledo Blade
• American City & County
• Fredericksburg Free Press
• Wikipedia: Energy Billing
• Google Search: Energy assistance programs
• Google Scholar: Energy bill management
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Utility bills
• Google News: Utility bills news