Skyrocketing Utility Bills Hit Home

PITTSBURGH — For some, utility bills have been busting the household budget. A cold, snowy winter meant increased usage, while at the same time, some consumers are starting to feel the impact of recent gas delivery rate hikes. Nick Kuzy of Venetia has been watching his bills closely, mapping out costs on a spreadsheet. Last month, he cut his usage in half, but his gas bill still went up! “It just hit me that it went from $89 to $103. That’s quite a jump,” Kuzy said. Abe Scarr is the Energy and Utilities Program Director for PennPIRG, a consumer advocacy group. “I think higher bills are here to stay to a certain degree,” said Scarr. “I don’t think there’s been an adequate job of keeping those rate increases in check and that spending in check.” Consumers can’t “shop” for their delivery company, so the one way to cut costs is to lower gas consumption. “I’d encourage people to consider replacing some old gas appliances with electric appliances like heat pumps, which can both heat and cool your home and are super efficient,” said Scarr. Experts also say maintaining your HVAC system can save you money. Others suggest turning down the thermostat on your hot water heater.