Rising temperatures may equal rising utility bills

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV) – Summer is here and along with the rising heat are rising utility bills.

Coast Electric recommends keeping your AC set to 78 during the summer months to combat a higher bill. 

Nearly one in six households across the country are behind on their utility bills. In the summer of 2024, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association predicted the average utility bill in the southeast to be $774. Coast Electric aims to help those falling on hard times with its Share Your Blessings energy assistance program. 

This summer, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts South Mississippi to have a summer that is 40 – 50% hotter than usual.

With these soaring temperatures, being able to utilize AC units is crucial for comfort, health, and safety.