As Mt. Carmel continues to dig out from the winter storm, residents are being warned to prepare for higher heating bills.
In a Monday Facebook post, Mt. Carmel Public Utility Company says the massive national impact of the storm has driven natural gas prices higher across the country. As a result, customers who heat with natural gas should expect above-average heating bills for the end of January and into February.
MCPU is encouraging customers to conserve energy when possible, to help reduce the impact of rising natural gas costs.
Utility officials say customers who are struggling to keep up with higher heating bills are urged to contact Mt. Carmel Public Utility as soon as possible. Assistance and payment options may be available by calling 618-262-5151 or the toll-free number 1-877-262-7036.
Additional help may also be available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP. Wabash County residents can contact Wabash Area Development Incorporated at 618-262-4151, while Lawrence County residents should contact Embarras River Basin Agency at 618-943-2938.
Officials say reaching out early can help residents stay warm and avoid service interruptions as extreme cold continues across the region.
