Here’s how to keep costs low as electric bills to reach new high [Video]

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A new report shows the average household will spend a record amount to cover electric bills this summer.

The report, from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), as well as the Center for Energy Poverty, and Climate (CEPC), shows a continued climb in the cost of energy this summer, up 7.9% from last year.

The average family is expected to spend about $719 between June and September, up from $661 last year.

The projection is based off of energy usage and price data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), as well as NOAA temperature data.

The climb has continued over the last decade. In 2014, the reported summer electric cost was just $476.

Energy bill assistance options

LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is one of the most common utility assistance programs for people in need.

These application programs open up several times a year.

Utility programs also offer some utility payment reduction programs, …