Electricity bills to increase; those using more power to feel biggest impact

June 23, 2022

WNKY Staff,

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – While higher bills can be expected during summer heat waves, BGMU and Warren RECC customers should be aware of another factor that may affect their bills this summer.

On July 1, the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Fuel Cost Adjustment will almost double, costing about 2 cents per kilowatt hour more than last July. Families who use 1,000 kilowatts each month will have an average increase of $20 compared to July of last year, according to a release by BGMU and Warren RECC. Overall, if you consume more than average amounts of energy, the increase will be higher; if you consume less than average, the increase will be less.

TVA Fuel Cost is the cost of the fuels that TVA uses to create electricity. These fuels include ones that power the natural gas, nuclear and coal plants that generate the electricity. TVA uses the Fuel Cost Adjustment to help manage fluctuations in the cost of those fuels. The release stated the FCA does not refer to gasoline or diesel that power our vehicles. The FCA has been steady for several years, but because of global supply chain and inflation issues, the FCA has gone up in recent months.

With an increased FCA and the summer’s high temperatures, consumers are being encouraged to conserve energy as much as they can to help control costs. The best way to save energy is to raise your thermostat, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Other energy-saving tips include:

Turn off lights and unplug unnecessary electrical appliances.
Keep curtains and blinds closed.
Wash full loads of laundry and dishes.
Caulk air leaks around windows and doors.
Run ceiling fans counterclockwise to circulate air.

For those who may need help paying their electric bill, financial assistance is available. Please call 211 for information about financial assistance in the community.

In addition, both BGMU and Warren RECC provide financial assistance through internal programs.

For BGMU customers, contact the Bowling Green Warren County Welfare Center for more information about assistance available through their Customer Assistance Program. For Warren RECC members, please visit your local Community Action Agency to learn more about assistance available through their Operation Warm Hearts program. To find a Community Action office near you, visit www.capky.org.