In response to recent letters that were submitted to Ocala-News.com regarding the rising cost of electric bills in Ocala, multiple readers wrote in to voice their thoughts on the topic.
“I’ve been living in Ocala since 2020 and I was renting a two bedroom, one-and-a-half bath town home. The first year, the average bill was anywhere from $120 to $150. As the second year rolled around, my bill gradually increased by around $100. From 2022 going into 2023, my bills average increased another $60 to $80. All said and done, I just moved out of the town home in the beginning of September due to high electric bill among other things. I currently live with a family member,” says Ocala resident Demetrick Henderson.
“Hello, we moved here from Tennessee a year ago. Ocala Electric wanted $700 just to hook up, even with good credit. Our bill has gotten to be $565 this month, and we are in a 1,500-square-foot mobile home. Our highest bill for a 2,400-square-foot home in Tennessee was only $457. I believe they need to be investigated. We are suffering out here. Thank you,” says Cary Stone, Ocala resident.
“I guess I’m finally doing something right. We live in Weirsdale in a 75-year-old house that’s 2,200 square feet. We have done no energy-related improvements in the two years we’ve lived here. We run two fridges and a big freezer, a small pool pump, and the well pump runs a lot when we water the extensive gardens. Temperatures set at 78 in the summer and 73 in the winter. Bills have ranged from $187 to $415. Thank you Duke Energy,” says Weirsdale resident Debi Jaynes.
“I live alone. I don’t know what’s going on with you guys in the electric company, I really don’t, and this is Duke energy. I set my thermostat to 78. I don’t run the shower long at all. I cook but very minimal. I use my toaster oven and/or my microwave. Why is my electric $200? I do nothing. I don’t understand it. You gave out no notices as far as I’m concerned. I am on a fixed income which is very, very difficult for me to pay, so give me suggestions,” says Jean Dudley, Ocala resident.
“I am a single senior citizen in Ocala. My electric bill prior to COVID, depending on the season, ran $180 to $220. This does include water and sewer. This month it was $308. During the day, I keep the AC at 78 degrees, and 76 at night. I don’t qualify for any assistance (like a lot of seniors) because of a small pension. As of October, the City of Ocala has been approved for another increase. Due to higher utility fees, higher home insurance, and higher taxes, people can’t keep their homes. This is insane. Where do they go then? Our elected officials are not doing a thing for us,” says Ocala resident Linda Perry.