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Colorado Springs resident hit with huge utility bill increase

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - City residents are expected to see major increases in their utility bills after winter weather reportedly impacted the cost of natural gas, but some are already seeing drastic changes.

Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) held an emergency meeting Wednesday because the cost of running generators during Texas' winter storm had a huge impact on the annual budget for natural gas.

Natalie Eckhart with CSU told KRDO that extreme demand for electricity and natural gas from Feb. 13-16 resulted in a spike in natural gas prices. While CSU had been seeing market prices of about $2.50/Dekatherm, the price skyrocketed to nearly $200/Dekatherm.

KRDO crews spoke with a man on a fixed income whose utility bill increased nearly $90 since last month -- and that's before the upcoming rate increase.

Tim Ashworth is on the budget billing program, which charges you the monthly average of your utility spending over the last year to prevent surprises. However, the average is recalculated every three months, causing Ashworth's bill to go up 40% on his last bill.

He's now concerned that, with rates going up, he won't be able to pay his bills.

"An emergency on your part shouldn't constitute an emergency on mine," Ashworth said. "I think they should have to eat the price."

Colorado Springs Utilities has financial assistance programs for people struggling to pay their bills. Click here for more information.

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Julia Donovan

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