In Florida’s sweltering summer heat, air conditioning is something you can’t do without. But while the electricity that keeps your house cool is undeniably a necessity, so are groceries, medication, insurance, gas and other essentials.

For some Central Florida households – whether due to an unexpected crisis or emergency expense, or long-term financial instability – divvying up the budget to cover the basics may seem like an impossible task.

Economists describe this challenge as “energy burden”: when the percentage of a household income disproportionately goes strictly toward energy cost. Often, the lower a family’s income, the higher the burden. A recent study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ACEEE found that low-income households spend on average 17.8% of their income on energy costs, which is four times the national average.

For an elderly couple on a fixed income, a high energy burden might mean leaving the thermostat set high during a sweltering summer afternoon. For a single parent, it might mean working two jobs and still struggling to cover the bills. While the circumstances look different for everyone, energy access is a fundamental need in our community.

At OUC, we’re committed to making energy bills affordable for everyone through energy efficiency and sustainable solutions. Although financial constraints can be a barrier to adopting these types of solutions, OUC is working with community partners to increase access to these solutions for low-income residents.

For example, in 2018, OUC partnered with the City of Orlando and Hope Church to transform a vacant 58-unit complex in Washington Shores into safe, affordable and sustainable housing. Sustainable features include LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, low-flow water fixtures, ductless HVACs, high-efficiency water heaters and a 52 kW rooftop solar array. OUC’s renewable energy team helped with the design and planning of the revamped buildings. These are examples of measures that can be taken to save money on utility bills.

As Central Florida’s hometown utility, OUC is invested in launching programs to enable customers to take greater control of their utility bills and result in a more optimized grid – ultimately keeping energy affordable and reliable. For more information about financial assistance programs available to families in need, visit ouc.com/assistance.