MOULTRIE, Ga. — This winter has been one of the coldest on record since 2008. Utility customers across the Southeastern United States are experiencing higher than normal utility bills because of the cold weather.

It’s human nature to turn thermostats up to stay warm, a city spokeswoman said, but that can be an expensive choice.

“Most of us have heat pumps but the majority of citizens have back-up auxiliary heat known as heat strips that activates when there is a large difference in temperature and temperature demand,” said City of Moultrie Utility Director Elvira Gibson.

The demand for warmer inside temperatures for long periods of time will increase utility consumption. That’s why cities across the Southeastern United States are experiencing higher utility bills. According to the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia’s newsletter, December ended 11 percent colder than normal, and January is projected to be 26 percent colder than normal.

“We do not have seasonal rates,” Gibson said. “The electric rates fluctuate each month due to the price of fuel.”

The city offered these tips to help control auxiliary heating use and save customers money:

(1) Place thermostat at 68 degrees or below.

(2) Slowly heat up your home at only 2 degrees at a time. For example if your home is 65 degrees and you are cold, move your thermostat up 2 degrees to 67. If you’re not warm enough when it reaches 67, move the thermostat up 2 degrees to 69. Do not go over 2-3 degrees at one time because your heat strips may kick in increasing energy consumption therefore raising your utility bill.

(3) If you are turning your unit off when you leave your home, you may be increasing your bill. If you leave your unit off for long periods of time and then return to a cold home, one tends to turn the thermostat up more than 2-3 degrees for warmth, increasing your bill. Leave your unit on but at a lower temperature than usual so that you can heat it up in 2 degree increments when you return home.

Some residents don’t use heat strips; they have gas as their source for heat. Usually gas is a more comfortable heat and not as overall costly as back-up strips. If it is freezing or close to freezing outside there may be times your heat strips will automatically activate. In that case, a higher bill is to be expected, the city said.

The City of Moultrie is helping those who have been in their location 12 months, have paid on time for the last 12 months, and who approach them before their due date about a high utility bill. Customers will be asked to pay their typical bill and spread the excess over the next three months, the city said. This will only apply to electricity. Other aspects of their bill will be due on the due date.

 “We normally work with individuals on a daily basis and this is no exception,” commented Business Operations Director Joy Warnock. “If a customer feels they have a need, we ask that they call us before their bill is due.”

Utility customers can contact the City of Moultrie Business Operations department by calling 985-1974.