When it comes to managing the cost of heating, Lisa Morris has learned that it can require a lot of planning.
Saint JohnNB, the resident has seen an increase in his bill in the last year, but it has not heated his house.
“I used to think it was a cheaper place to live, and I didn’t have to struggle as much,” Morris said in an interview Friday.
Like many homes in the area, Morris said his is both old and drafty, which can lead to high costs even on a budget.
Extreme cold warning issued for all NB & NS, could feel as low as -45°C
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With four people living under the roof, Morris said she sometimes has to stop her two children from turning up the thermostat from the normal 18C.
“When they’re cold, they just want to turn that dial up, and so it’s not, we put on extra socks, we put on an extra blanket, but we don’t touch that dial.”
However, as colder temperatures make their way across regions, the decision to move the thermostat becomes more difficult.
Environment Canada has placed the entire province under an extreme cold warning, with the coldest air temperature near -45.
“We’re worried about freezing pipes, so even in our bathroom, you know, you have to turn that heat up a little bit, and in the back of your mind, I’m like, ‘How’s this going to change my monthly amount? Huh?’” Morris said.
The rising cost of energy has been a concern for many people in New Brunswick and across the country. NB Power originally filed for a rate hike of 8.9 percent, which may be partially offset.
Additionally, for those who use heating oil, the cost has increased to $2.20 per litre.
NB Power seeks to offset part of rate hike through legislative changes in 2023
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On Thursday, Nicola Taylor, president of ACORN NB, told Global News that the cost of energy has been top of many people’s minds in recent months.
Taylor said, “We know of people who are refusing to put in their heat because they have to pay their rent, keep their roof over their heads, or have heat and sometimes food.” Decisions have to be made.”
Ways to be more energy efficient and cut costs include using cold water to wash clothes, keeping curtains or drapes open during the day and closed at night, and using a microwave or toaster above the stove or oven, according to St. John Energy. involves using.
However, Morris feels there is only so much she can do to keep costs down.
“When is there going to be some relief? You know, energy is energy, yet we’re always overpaying.”
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