Many customers have been phoning the Israel Electric Company (IEC) questioning their latest bill, which is higher than average. Israel Electric officials attribute the higher bills to Operation Protective Shield, pointing out that many residents were home for days and weeks, and this is the likely reason for the higher bill.

Utility company officials remind customers that the warfare took place during the summer months and for many, air conditioners were operating around-the-clock. In addition, many people were cooking more than usual and many Israeli homes use electric ovens, not gas. IEC reports the demand for electricity this past summer increased 8% as compared to the summer of 2013.

Naomi Friedman of Lod was shocked to see her bill was over 1,000 NIS but when she began thinking, she admits that they had the air conditioning running without interruption and due to the boredom, she was constantly baking so the over ran much more than it would have if the family was at work, school and camp.

With the changeover to natural gas and other factors, IEC officials signal rates are expected to drop in the near future between 12-15%.

Using its Facebook page to assist customers, IEC officials instruct anyone with a higher than usual bill to contact the company to determine if the bill is based on an actual meter reading or perhaps, a guestimated bill. IEC officials also point out consumer demand for electricity during the months of July and August 2014 rose considerably.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)