Lincolnites brace for rising energy costs as winter sets in

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – As temperatures begin to drop, many Lincoln families are seeing a sharp increase in their heating bills.

Some are worried about how they’ll afford to stay warm this winter.

“Weather is the biggest driver when it comes to energy bills,” said Brandy Johnson of Black Hills Energy. “Your furnace works harder to keep your house warmer when the weather is cold outside.”

Utility companies like Black Hills encourage people to take steps to reduce their heating usage.

Johnson suggests keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees and changing out your furnace filter to keep air circulating through your home properly.

She also urged customers to take advantage of programs that offer financial assistance to those who struggle to pay their bills.

Black Hills Energy offers a budget billing program, in which your gas bill is spread across the entire year. That means your summertime bill and wintertime bill would remain the same.

The Salvation Army also works with Black Hills to offer assistance.

Experts predict the trend of rising energy costs could persist, leaving households to find new ways to cope with the financial strain.

Johnson said the weather in Nebraska is unpredictable, so customers should be prepared for anything.

She said it’s important to plan ahead and reach out for assistance before energy bills get too high.