CLECO is explaining to its customers why they are seeing higher utility bills. President Shane Hilton says a rate increase went into effect July first.
“CLECO power had not any changes in rate structure or rate increases in the least seven years, so that was one small piece of the equation,” said Hilton.
An increase in natural gas prices, which have almost doubled, and fuel costs to keep an older plant in Mansfield operational during the summer demand is also adding to the price increase for CLECO customers.
Another reason for higher-than-average bills is the ice storms that impacted the state, which also saw a significant spike in fuel costs and high usage. Hilton says customers are seeing costs from the winter storms spread out over bills that eventually drop off in April 2022.
The Pineville-based company is also paying for the repairs needed following last year’s hurricanes.
Hilton says if you need assistance there are several options to help you pay your bill. He encourages you to call CLECO or visit their website.
“We have a list of programs, local, state, and federal programs that they can sign up for, there are also CLECO programs they can sign up for like bill averaging through the year,” said Hilton.
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