The Figures Are In – Winter was Expensive!
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Looking back at a harsh winter, Jackson Energy Authority leaders like Ted Austin said West Tennessee customers saw significant spikes in their utility bills. “Because of the cost of the extreme weather across the region there were steps taken that have not been taken for over 20 years.” said Austin. According to JEA, customers paid more this February than last. Utility bill costs broke down like this: Electricity – 5 percent increase Water – 9 percent increase Natural Gas – 36 percent increase The Tennessee Department of Transportation also spent more than expected, and they say they have learned a lot. “You don’t want to have 5 or 6 inches of sleet build up on the highway system. It’s difficult to control and difficult to handle,” says Bill Hazlerig, part of TDOT’s Incident Management team. Nichole Lawrence with TDOT said they allotted $4 million to handle winter weather, but ended up spending more. Lawrence said they cut other parts of their budget to keep roads safe. “West Tennessee gathered that we needed about $4 million for supplies, equipment, personnel, and the work they’re doing throughout the winter,” says Lawrence. This leaves many in West Tennessee ready for higher temperatures, and lower electric bills this spring. Austin said they have their fingers crossed that customers’ utility bills are going to moderate within the next two months of spring air rolling in.
