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Stephanie Lucero
(CBS 11 News) DALLAS TXU Energy bills are making their way into mailboxes all over north Texas and many customers are experiencing a new form of sticker-shock.
TXU requested and received a 24% rate increase last year and now the company's customers are feeling the heat of summer.
John Warriner, of North Dallas, opened his bill Friday to learn he owes TXU $898.26 for electric service for one month.
"I just don't figure there's a lot I can do about it. I have more interesting things to worry about so, as long as I can afford to pay it, I'll go ahead and pay it." Warriner said.
Warriner's neighbor across the street received an $808.00 electric bill from TXU this week and in Richardson, Loretta Porter received a $226.00 bill.
"I do average billing but we haven't been able to figure out why opening the doors and closing the doors and having more kids and whatever would double the amount in just a few years. We've only lived here since 2002 so it's gone up a pretty good chunk of change."
Besides the rate increase approved by the Texas Public Utility Commission last year, TXU executives say the increase in monthly bills is due to the hot weather.
According to the billing summaries being mailed to customers this week, the average daily high temperature during the last billing period was 93 degrees.
TXU is now able to offer customers a number of different billing plans, but the utility company says it won't decrease rates overall for residential customers.
"We can't just take everybody and put them on a lower rate. What we are doing is we're offering these new plans and customers have to chose a plan that best meets their needs. You might want savings but my neighbor might want flexibility," said Sophia Stroller, TXU Energy.
TXU recommends customers with high bills take steps to make their houses more energy efficient.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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