We're all running our air conditioners more in this heat, which means higher energy bills. This, plus higher rates, is frustrating Austinites. FOX 7 Austin's Angela Shen sat down with Austin Energy's new general manager Bob Kahn to discuss.
His appointment came after the previous general manager, Jackie Sargent, stepped down not long after the city's controversial response to the February ice storm. "I feel like I already pay so much for rent," resident Tanna Rutherford said. "Whenever our energy starts to go up and water and electricity, it's really frustrating because it's like I'm already trying to maintain my budget within college, and it's almost like rent being raised with their prices.
Austin Energy has noticed a high demand for energy this month as Texans try to keep cool this summer."Energy costs money to generate, and costs go up," he said."We're doing that because we need to maintain our financial strength. Most utilities have a 200 plus day reserve margin on their money, and we're at 93 days right now, which is a problem, and our goal is 150," Kahn said.
"Electricity is something that's a basic need. Everybody needs it, so I just wish that they would maybe think about the people who can't afford stuff," Rutherford said.
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