Opinion: Power Bills are Reportedly Higher for Many Alabama Residents Complaining on Facebook

power outlet with a plug plugged in itPhoto byKelly SikkemaonUnsplash

Many residents on the central east side of Alabama have been experiencing noticeable increases in their power bills from Alabama Power. According to the 1819 News, the cost of electricity rose about 10% in Alabama in 2023. However, that increase does not account for the very recent influx of social media posts talking about their power bills.

In a Facebook group called "Randolph County Accountability Transparency and Public Information Group," members have been discussing the increases to their bills that they've been seeing. The discussion was sparked by a post in the group by Kathy Pence. This was what she said in her post:

Ok so I kept on with Alabama power and made them come read my Smart meter they kept saying I had and they had no reason to come physically to read it. Well Friday I was shocked but they add showed up I explained and he said let him go see what's going on. Remember she told me it's on my end. Alabama power guy went through house and tested meter outside all way up pole he went beyond the extra mile. The outcome......well I was right ! I'm using 2 amps and 0.04 on the other part... I'm perfect my wiring is perfect, my box is perfect, and he said my bill should be running around 86.00 under 100 for sure. He showed me where office read meter and my current reading and my bills I guess after the first couple have been estimated and kept at that reading making my bill higher than it was but the Giant bill I'm bitching about around 1300.00 they say is on my end.....No it's not I finally can say that Alabama power has a problem it's not on my end it's your end and your raising prices because it's 10 degrees outside and we don't have any choice to choose another company. EVERYONE DEMAND THEM TO COME PHYSICALLY READ YOUR METER THIS IS GOING TO PUT EVERYONE AND EVERY MAN OUT IN FIELD MAYBE THEY WILL STOP WITH THE HIGH BILLS,!!!!! THIS MAN WAS VERY NICE AND EXPLAIN WHAT THEY WERE ARE DOING AND I HAVE PROOF NOTHING WRONG HERE ACTUALLY HE HAS SEEN WHERE I AM REMOLDING AND SAYS IT SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN THAT HIGH. SO CALL THEM OUT!!!!!

Facebook group postPhoto byFacebook

As you can see from the story Kathy shared, rate increases may not be the only culprit when you notice significant spikes in your bill. Not to say any increase in a sign you need to have your meter manually read, but in Kathy's case it seemed to have helped. There have not only been post in this Facebook group either, they are even showing up in Cleburne County Concerned Citizens group on Facebook as well.

Alice Clifton Story wrote:

Has anyone else been hit with an electric bill from Alabama Power, double or triple your regular bill? I was in the hospital part of the month and still had a electrical bill of over $1k.

And Lauren Hilderbrand Prince said:

Anyone have any idea of how to get touch with someone like a senator or someone that could help us all out with Alabama Power? This has got to give there are people on fixed incomes that are having to choose between power and whether or not they can eat. This is absolutely out of hand. People on georgia power ( which is also a southern company ) who have used the same amount of kwh bill is never over $150 but Alabama Power is charging $400 or more. Not ok!!!

Facebook group postsPhoto byFacebook

Winter is usually a more expensive time for utility bills, but some of these increases seem a bit off. If you are seeing some unusually high bills or know someone who is let us know in the comments.

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