Commercial, industrial electric consumers seeing spike after hike

GONZALES — Summer temperatures are climbing and local businesses are really feeling the heat — by way of growing electric bills.

On January 27, Gonzales City Council agreed to increase commercial and industrial electric rates by 2.5 percent. The council agenda on that night called for hikes up to 25 percent. Those numbers, supported by District 2 councilman Tommy Schurig and Gonzales Mayor Connie Kacir, failed to pass by a vote of two to three; but a second round of votes, recommending an increase of 2.5 percent, supported by District 1 Councilman Gary Schroeder and former councilmembers Lorenzo Hernandez and Clarence Opiela did pass, by a vote of three to two.

According to City Manager Sean Lally the city rates back in January were .0445 cents per kilowatt hour. The 2.5 percent rate increase has upped the rate to .0457 cents per kilowatt hour.

Despite what may seem like a small increase, local businesses have already felt the effects of the hike.

The Dilworth Inn and Suites reports a $300-dollar difference from 2016 to 2017. The Running M Bar and Grill reported a $320 difference.

After hearing these reports from local businesses about staggering electric bills, The Gonzales Inquirer looked at business records and in fact discovered significant increases. Between May 1, 2016 and June 1, 2016 The Gonzales Inquirer paid an electric bill of $338.70. One year later that same billing period cost the paper $485.26.

The Inquirer's 2016 bill showed usage of 4963 kw hours. The 2017 bill showed 5698 kw hours used.

Despite energy-saving measures taken to minimize electric costs, like shutting down equipment, turning off fans and lighting and raising building temperature, the increase is still evident.

Metzler said she keeps her building set at a consistent temperature around the clock, because of the size of the building.

"I can only imagine my next bill is going to be higher," she said. "With usage up and rates up it is going to be a hard summer."

According to Weather Underground – found at wunderground.com – weather reports from Roger M. Dreyer Memorial Airport show an average of just one degree difference between June 2016 and June 2017 temperatures.

The Alliance for Saving Energy suggests taking steps to lower utilities: Use window shades; turn off all lights, appliances and electronics not in use; switch to energy-efficient halogen incandescent, CFL and LED lighting; look for the Energy Star label; use low-flow faucets and shower heads to save on water usage; clean or change air conditioning filters regularly; reduce water heater temperature to 130 degrees Fahrenheit; wrap the water storage tank in a specially-designed “blanket” to retain heat; seal air leaks and insulate; and, for businesses with laundry, wash everything in cold water.