Number of Idahoans 50+ Struggling to Pay Utility Bills Doubles Since Higher Rates Hit

New AARP survey finds 83% of State's 50+ having difficulty paying their electric and gas bills after latest round of rate hikes – Fuels need for legislative action

BOISE, Idaho, Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On the heels of recent electric hikes in Idaho an alarming new survey by AARP shows just how harsh the toll of higher bills has been on the state's 50+.  The survey, released today, has found the number of 50+ Idahoans who report difficulty paying their utility bills has now soared to 83%, a 42% increase over 2011.  AARP Idaho says this highlights the need for legislative action to help consumers fight seemingly ever-increasing utility bills in the state.

According to the survey of 50+ registered votes in the Gem State, the number of those that are reporting extreme difficulty skyrocketed from 5% in 2011 to 48% in recent months, with those saying it was very difficult rose from 10% in 2011 to 28% this year.  Over 60% of those surveyed feel their elected officials weren't doing enough to help.

"These numbers are extremely alarming. When older Idahoans have trouble paying their utility bills, they have often had to choose between paying that bill and prescriptions or groceries," said Angela Cortez, Interim State Director for AARP in Idaho.  "Increasing utility bills are very clearly causing a crisis in many households across Idaho, and it's time for legislative action to help consumers."

AARP is calling on the legislature to establish a utility consumer advocate office to represent consumers in rate hike and regulatory proceedings, creating a watchdog to help to fight unfair rate hikes (supported by over 75% of those surveyed).  Idaho is the only state in the West (and one of only a handful in the nation) without such an office.  AARP has also recently backed legislation (House Bill 554, sponsored by Rep. Marc Gibbs, R-Grace) to shine the light on utility companies' major expenditures and require them to take into account the impact on consumers during the planning process, a move that would provide consumers with information on the projects upfront, providing a better chance to oppose rate hikes.

"The Idaho legislature has the opportunity to stand up for Gem State consumers buckling under utility rate hikes on both of these issues and AARP is calling on them to do just that," added Cortez.  "Idaho clearly has to level the playing field for consumers; they are losing the battle over rate hikes here, and need some help."

AARP Idaho plans to work with stakeholders on both issues to make the legislation as strong as needed for consumers in the state. The new AARP survey can be found here: http://bit.ly/wPuymH.

AARP is Idaho's largest membership organization with over 180,000 members.

Follow us on Twitter @AARPIdaho and Facebook: AARP Idaho.

SOURCE AARP Idaho