The Twin Ports is experiencing its coldest winter since 2014, and many residents are experiencing higher utility bills than they’re used to. Residents like Alan Nordrum, say their bills are getting too high to afford.

“I work 40 hours a week and I can’t afford anything. My paycheck is gone when I get it,” he said.

According to Nordrum, his bill was roughly $740 last month. Superior Water, Light and Power leaders say the high prices are a result of supply and demand.

“[The main problem is] rising natural gas prices on the market and demand impacts that we’re still seeing from February of 2021 when we had storms in other parts of the country,” said Harper Brickson with SWL&P.

Usage in January was up 26% in Superior compared to January 2021. Brickson said the combination of high demand and low supply has squeezed the price of gas. The company is being charged more to distribute, so in turn bills go up.

“We need to procure the natural gas supply to supply our customers, and there are things we do to try to get ahead of the rising costs,” Brickson said.

Despite high prices, Brickson says the company is happy to provide resources for customers who need them.

“We really encourage our customers to contact us. We’re here to help and we want to make sure we can match them with the resources that help them,” she said. You can find more details on payment plans and other options for high bills on SWL&P’s website.

Duluth residents are experiencing a similar issue. You can find payment help for Duluth’s ComfortSystems here.

To see the original report and read related stories, follow this link to the KBJR-TV website. https://www.kbjr6.com/2022/02/19/sky-high-heating-bills-shock-homeowners-across-twin-ports/