EL Paso, Texas (KTSM) — Some El Pasoans have reported seeing a significant increase in their electric bills. Many are wondering why their bills have spiked, and what if anything can be done.
We talked to El Paso Electric about what consumers can do to keep a handle on their bills.
Melanie Valdez, the supervisor of energy consulting for El Paso Electric, said each household has different energy consumption demands.
“It’s a little difficult to identify just one reason for an increase,” Valdez said.
Paloma Silva. who lives on the East Side, said her bill came out to $300 for January. That is a big increase for her compared to what she was paying last year for the same month, which was between $80 to $90, she said.
“Nobody is at home during the day. I’m at work. My daughter is at school. It has been a real inconvenience. You don’t count on paying $300 for an electric bill,” Silva said.
Valdez said El Paso Electric offers various payment options and plans. The Budget Billing plan helps customers pay their electricity bill by spreading the cost evenly over 12 months. They estimate a consumer’s yearly average and divide it by 12 to determine their monthly payment, according to El Paso Electric.
For low-income residents, there is the low-income Rider Plan. To qualify, El Pasoans must have an account with El Paso Electric under their own name and either possess a Lone Star card or have a household annual income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level.
Valdez is urging those concerned residents to call El Paso Electric so they can have their account looked into. Some of the recommendations Valdez gave to save on energy consumption are:
Unplugging any unused devices while you’re not at home.
Lowering your thermostat in the winter.
Reach out to the Energy Efficiency Department and find out what additional things they can do to help you save on your bill.
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