These 5 Kansas cities are among the most expensive in the US for winter heating costs
Cooler temperatures making their way to Wichita can mean higher prices when keeping your home warm this winter.
If you think your electric bill is high, that might be because Wichita is ranked among the 60 most expensive cities in the U.S. for heating, according to one analysis.
In fact, five Kansas cities made the cut, and two ranked in the top 10 nationwide.
The analysis, from HVAC Gnome, a platform that connects homeowners with service professionals, looked at 500 cities analyzing the cost of energy, inflation and a lack of energy efficiency. To come up with the city-by-city ranking, HVAC Gnome looked at the “average monthly electricity and gas bills, periods of extreme cold, the average size of homes, and residential energy efficiency code adoption.”
Here are the Kansas cities on the list:
- Topeka, No. 6
- Kansas City, Kansas, No. 7
- Lawrence, No. 13
- Overland Park, No. 41
- Wichita, No. 53
Energy bills are growing more expensive, too. Starting at the end of December, Evergy customers in the Wichita area will see a rate hike on their bill.
The Kansas Corporation Commission approved a 3.45% net revenue increase for Evergy Kansas Central Tuesday. The increase will mean customers pay an average of about $4.64 more a month in Wichita, Hutchinson, Topeka and Pittsburg.
How to save money on your electric, heating bill this winter
It may be time to get your heat cranking as true winter weather is expected in Wichita as soon as this weekend.
The National Weather Service forecasts the area will see its first snowfall of the season late Saturday morning, with possible accumulations of between 4 to 8 inches northwest of Wichita.
Despite high costs, there are some ways to try and save money this winter while staying warm. To save money on your heating bill, experts recommend you:
- Turn down your thermostat
- Close your vents
- Turn your fan to clockwise
- Keep your curtains open when it’s sunny and closed when its dark
When the weather turns warm again, being mindful of the thermostat can also save you on air conditioning costs.
Help paying your heating bill this winter
If you need help keeping up with your heating bill in the coming months, the state has several resources available.
The Low-income Energy Assistance Program, administered through the Kansas Department for Children and Families, provides one-time payments to eligible residents for their utility bills. You can call 1-800-432-0043 for information or visit the department’s website.
Those older than 65 or receiving disability income can apply for Project Deserve. This service provides up to $300 for households with someone with severe disability and adults older than 65. It also provides up to $100 for those who meet income requirements. To learn more, you can either call Center of Hope at 316-267-3999 or Evergy at 800-383-1183.
A federal program, the Kansas Weatherization Assistance Program, through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, can help you save money this winter by providing weatherization services. The services can include caulking and sealing cracks, adding insulation and more. You can call 785-264-4814 for more information.
You can also call United Way at 211 to get matched with other programs near you.
This story was originally published November 24, 2023 at 12:00 PM.
