TIMMONSVILLE -- The New Year started in a way that could leave your wallet a little lighter if you have service with Pee Dee Electric, which hiked rates by 23 percent starting Thursday.
Timmonsville resident Fred Ham no longer builds a fire for recreation.
"We unplugged our deep freezer, we don't need it. Now we're in the midst of winter if you notice behind me, we got a fire place and we don't have our heat on today," Ham said.
Ham's electric bill before the rate hike kicked in went from $125, to $240 and the latest was $323.
"This is just too much," Ham said.
While it's taken its toll and forced his family to change over time Ham, said the worst is on its way with the latest rate hike.
"We got to look around our friends and our neighbors that are struggling so hard during the economy. Surely Pee Dee Electric is going to be turning some of them off," Ham said.
Pee Dee Electric officials said they agree with Ham.
They said that the rate increase could have a negative impact, but they had no other choice because fuel costs have increased and they held off as long as possible, Brian Kelley, utility spokesman, said.
"There's a time they should come down instead of going up," Ham said.
Ham said he fears the increase and the timing could make for an even worse economic state in 09'.
Pee Dee Electric has tips on their website, www.peedeeelectric.com, that can help people conserve energy and they can also put people in touch with agencies that offer assistance.
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