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Fort Pierce, Fla. – Some utility customers in Fort Peace said they were shocked after seeing this month’s electric bill.
One small business owner said his bills were higher than his mortgage.
RELATED: Fort Pierce Utility Authority customers see energy bills double from rate hike
Bait store owner Jay Sohan said the electric bill is a whopping $2,500, about $800 more than the previous two months.
“I am worried about repaying my loan because the account is like a mortgage,” said Sohan. “The bill is actually higher than my mortgage.”
WPTV
The local utility, the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA), is imposing an energy cost adjustment fee that is tied to the increase in natural gas.
Javier Cisneros, director of this small utility with more than 30,000 customers, said there is a national emergency over natural gas supplies and prices.
“We are absolutely sorry for our customers,” Cizneros said.
The upset bills are threatening Sohan’s business.
It has already switched to LED lighting and energy-saving appliances. His next step, he said, is to unplug the beer cooler and get it working.
WPTV
“I say to all the small traders, what can we do? How can we survive,” said Sohan.
FPUA said they are looking for solutions.
“We have a special payment arrangement option where you take the month and pay a portion and take the rest and pay over time for this peak month,” says Sohan.
FPUA said they will contact Sohan about payment plan.
Cisneros said the current situation is creating a volatile price market, and the utility reviews prices twice a month.
However, at present, there is no sign that the costs will decrease.
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