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By Staff Reports

Alabama Power officials announced recently a rate increase to begin in January 2023.

External Affairs Manager Beth Thomas said the rate increase is driven by compliance with federal requirements as well as unprecedented inflation and economic conditions.

“These federal mandates and regulations, with which the company and utilities across the country must comply, continue to put pressure on customer costs,” Thomas said in a release.

The increase in the cost to customers will be about $6.81 for the typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours each month, officials said.

Customers who need assistance can chat with Alabama Power officials online at alabamapower.com, call 1-800-245-2244 or visit any office.

Additionally, AP offers tips to help customers with their energy use.

AP officials encouraged customers to have an online account, and their information is up to date.

Customers with an online account can pay via Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo and PayPal. These payment methods are within the online customer care portal.

Customers can also enroll in My Power Usage in their online account. The tool shows daily and monthly use, projected bill amounts and sends alerts when bills reach a set dollar amount.

More tips can be found at AlabamaPower.com/Winterize.

This is the third rate increase in less than a year.