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The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Source:  Fox News

Posted: Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:24 PM
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East Tennessee's KUB Says Recent Cold Snap Set Records For Gas Costs During January
A new year means a new utility bill—and many East Tennesseans have noticed a larger number in the "amount due" box than they may be used to. The Knoxville Utilities Board said those prices go along with the cold snaps during the winter.

KUB representatives reported this week to local news outlets that gas costs are up to 95 percent more than they were in January 2017—and that's a record for the utilities provider.

Wednesday, January 17, the day after snow blanketed much of East Tennessee, broke the charts at KUB, presenting what representatives called a record-breaking day in gas use. Representatives said they hadn't seen close to that level of demand in years.

A representative from the Tennessee Valley Authority also said TVA put out more energy on January 17 than ever before.

While some users questioned hikes in rates, KUB said they simply didn't happen; instead, experts said a lot of times, colder temperatures are hard on heating units, adding to electrical costs.

"Temperatures like what we've seen over the past month, nights in the single digits, wind chill temperatures below zero at times, your system has to work extra hard to keep up with the temperature demands inside your home," KUB spokesperson Stephanie Midgett said.

KUB reminded customers who have struggled to keep up with bills to give them a call. Representatives can look at individual situations and see what solutions can help out.

To keep costs low, KUB recommended users set their home's heat to 68 degrees or lower, and make sure to seal up any cracks where cold air could get in.