AG Alert: Rutledge warns of skyrocketing energy prices during the summer

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LITTLE ROCK – As summer begins, Arkansas is likely to experience heat waves causing energy bill increases for many. Arkansans have already seen a tremendous rise in energy prices due to previous severe weather, inflation, supply chain issues, the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline, and the halting of domestic oil and gas drilling. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is urging all Arkansans to take precautions to prepare their home and finances with the squelching summer months to come.

“Arkansans should expect skyrocketing price increases this summer, and that includes everything from energy prices to survive the sweltering southern heat to materials that better equip your house to reduce those energy costs,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “President Biden has stopped our nation’s ability to be self- sufficient in energy and Arkansans will feel the impact this summer with high energy bills.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to keep energy costs low throughout the summer months:

Use a programmable thermostat to automatically raise the temperature when no one is home. Some newer models can connect to smartphones, providing access regardless of location.

Seal cracks or holes around the home by weather- stripping doors and windows and adding insulation to walls, attic and crawlspace to prevent loss of air conditioning.

Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise to recirculate cold air.

Make sure air vents are unobstructed.

Close the vents and doors to rooms that are not being used.

Keep air filters clean and replace regularly.

Other tips and resources are available at Energyefficiencyarkansas. org, a partnership between Arkansas utility companies and the Arkansas Energy Office.

There are resources available for Arkansans needing assistance with energy bills. Visit the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment website for more information about the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Program ( LIHEAP). Arkansans may apply for LIHEAP’S help beginning July 11, 2022.

For more information about other consumer- related issues, please visit Arkansasag. gov or contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at consumer@ Arkansasag. gov or ( 800) 482- 8982.