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Cold Weather Means More Requests For Help With Electric Bills

Trees atop a mountain are covered in ice and snow.
Arctic air and freezing temperatures have led to spiking electric bills. Many are struggling to find ways to pay for it.
Eric Douglas/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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Electricity prices have increased in West Virginia faster than the rate of inflation, and many households struggle to keep up.

With below-freezing temperatures lingering statewide for much of the month, people are seeking help to pay to heat their homes. 

Margaret O’Neal, president of the United Way of Central West Virginia, said her organization received more than 12,000 requests for assistance with electricity costs last year.

She expects a spike because of recent winter weather.

“So as people start to get their power bills for January and February,” she said, “we’ll see a huge uptick in people calling for assistance, because they’re going to get exorbitant power bills over the last month.”

Appalachian Power has a case before the West Virginia Public Service Commission that seeks a rate increase.

Those who need assistance can go to WV211.org or call 211.