Your Alabama Power bill is going up in August. Here's why
Using Alabama Power to provide electricity to your home? You're probably going to start seeing a pricier bill.
The company announced that, starting next month, the average household could see a $6, or 5%, increase on their energy bill.
Communications specialist for Alabama Power, Anthony Cook, explained that this is related to the rising costs in fuel.
"While the cost of necessities like gas and groceries has increased, Alabama Power has worked hard to keep the cost of electricity as low as possible," he explained, "However, the rising cost of fuel at both the national and international level has necessitated an adjustment to our rate."
Cook explained that this increase is still lower than the current rate of inflation, which is at "a near 40-year high." He added that the company does not make money from fuel costs, as "the cost of fuel is a pass-through expense to customers."
"Using diverse fuel types and sources, such as solar and hydropower, that has helped dampen the increase," he said, "We remain committed to providing the low-cost, dependable service customers have come to expect."
However, Cook did say that there was some good news. Because of the "lower than forecasted" storm recovery costs in 2021, customers that use 1,000 kilowatt hours a month or more would be receiving a one-time credit of $19 on their July bill.
"Customers will also see an adjustment to the storm restoration fund, resulting in a slight decrease to customer bills," he added, "This fund is used as a way to help fund the real-time power restoration services we provide when it comes to severe weather events such as tornados and hurricanes. Because our estimated cost was higher than what we actually spent, we are giving that back to our customers in the form of a credit."
Cook said that Alabama Power recognizes that some of their customers would have a harder time paying their bills, especially with this rate increase. Because of this, the company says they will be willing to work with people to help assist them in any way they can.
"If you need help with your bill, you can chat online with us at the Alabama Customer Support Center or by calling 800-245-2244 weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.," Cook explained, "They can also look into our payment assistance programs and discuss this in person at one of our business offices."
Alabama Power also offered some money-saving tips for those wanting to lower their overall energy bill, such as what temperature to set their thermostats on to tips to help keep cool air inside the house.
"For several months, we have been promoting energy savings tips to customers to help them lower their bills. We ask that you continue to help us share Alabama Power's Warm Weather Tips to help customers lower their bills," Cook said.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Alabama Power customers to start seeing increased bills in August
