COLUMBIA, S.C. — Whether it's cooling during the summer or heating during the winter, we’re all trying to keep our electric bills as low as possible.
According to the Department of Energy, the average monthly electric bill in South Carolina was $147.87, which is about $12 higher than the national average.
However, depending on various factors, including how much energy you use, who your electricity provider is and how much they charge per kilowatt hour of electricity used, your bill could be much higher.
There are some things you can do to save on your bill.
Dominion Energy offers a list of tips, including replacing lightbulbs with LED versions, sealing all doors and windows properly and setting your thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer.
You could also install a smart thermostat and save money on your electric bill. Some models have a mobile app that lets you control your home with your mobile device.
But what happens if you’ve tried all the tips and still can’t afford your bill?
That’s where organizations like Wateree Community Actions step in.
Wateree assists residents of Sumter, Kershaw, Lee, Clarendon, and Richland counties with electric bills when they need it most.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Wateree staff members work with individuals to provide assistance in paying part or all of a customer’s electric bill.
Each applicant must meet strict income eligibility requirements.
Wateree also offers assistance with water and sewer bills and help finding Head Start programs for families with young children.
For more information on payment assistance programs, visit the websites of your local energy provider or the Wateree Community Actions website.