Hartford residents struggle to pay utility bills [Video]

HARTFORD, Ala. (WTVY) – Many people in Hartford said they are struggling to cover the cost of basic needs, due to a recent increase in utility rates.

Shannon Eldridge is one of those people. She told News4 she’s had to change the way she lives due to an increase in her utility bill.

“There’s less of everything because all the money has to go to the power bill,” she said. “When it came in this month, I immediately went to my teenager’s bedroom and I said if you are not using it, unplug it.”

Eldridge is a mother of four, works from home, and homeschools her autistic son, so electricity is her livelihood.

“Without electricity, I wouldn’t be able to do my job, plus his school, plus everything that we do.”

According to City Hall, a rate increase for energy usage was implemented in 2023, going from 10 cents to …