Crisp Co. Power Commission customers outraged by increase in electric bills
CORDELE, Ga. – Some Cordele residents are taking a second look at their latest power bills, as unexpected high costs leave many questioning the increase in costs.
Since January – some say even earlier – Crisp county residents have seen a sharp increase in their power bills, sparking frustration with the Crisp County Power Commission.
Many report their bills have doubled from month to month, with some experiencing increases ranging from $200 to as much as $1,000.
We’re hearing directly from residents, as they share their experiences with these rising costs.
“I’ve been a resident in Cordele for a little over two years now. My mother’s actually lived here for ten years, plus, I’ve been actually supporting her for the past few years because she’s been unemployed due to Covid. On an average winter, because we don’t have any central heating. So, we use little space heaters. We’re averaging around $575, $550. This winter it went up to between 7 [$700], 8 [$800]. Almost $900,” said Michael Bowman, Resident.
When residents first contacted the crisp county power commission for answers, they were allegedly told the price hikes were due to winter weather, January’s snowstorm, and lingering effects from the Covid-19 pandemic.
But, for many, the concern isn’t just the rising costs – it’s the lack of communication. Residents say they feel left in the dark, searching for clarity on why their bills have surged.
“I’ve been in Crisp county, I know, for over 23 years and I have never had a light bill this outrageous. I just say from December, I paid a light bill for like $300 and something dollars. Then, in January, it increased to $537. And, then, when I got my power bill for February, it was $935. Hardly ever do I turn my unit on because of my son’s disability. The heat is not good for him. And, I know they probably think it’s just something I’m saying, but you have to be there to understand, to know exactly what I’m talking about. And, they told us that they had sources to help us pay these bills. But, when you reach out to these sources, you’re not getting any kind of help or anything. I tried reaching out to two different organizations. I never got a call back from one,” said Maxcine Shorter, Resident.
With the Crisp County Power Commission as the only provider in Cordele, many residents feel they have no choice but to pay the rising costs – forcing some to make difficult decisions between keeping the lights on or putting food on the table.
“The community is choosing between having electricity or having groceries or choosing electricity over paying rent. So, it’s really putting a huge financial strain on the community at large,” said Bowman.
“You also have senior citizens that are only getting a check once a month and the light bill is taking that entire check. How are they expecting for us to make it our here? If we had another resource, or some competition as you would say, I feel like it would be much cheaper, I really truly do,” said Shorter.
The Crisp County Power Commission held a public meeting today at 2 p.m. to address concerns. We’ll have more on that discussion in our upcoming coverage.
De’Andra Jacobs reporting.
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