Boise, ID – More than 40 percent of Idahoans over the age of 50 struggle to pay their utility bills. That’s according to a study released this month by AARP’s Public Policy Institute. A second report from the senior advocacy group’s research arm says American’s over 50 spend an average of eight percent of their income to keep the heat and lights on. David Irwin with AARP Idaho says the average for other age groups is seven percent.
David Irwin “One percent may not seem like a high percentage to many people but believe me when you’re over 50 and you’re juggling paying for prescription drugs, rising gas costs and rising grocery bills, it does make a bit of difference.”
Irwin says the studies are particularly worrying in what they show for Idahoans over 65 who rely solely on social security. He says some have to choose between buying food and keeping the heat on. AARP Idaho plans to use these numbers to fight utility rate increases proposed by many of the state’s water, power, and gas companies. Irwin says his organization will also use the studies to lobby the state’s law makers to create a utility consumer advocacy office.
David Irwin “And what this office will do is represent and serve as a watch dog for individuals and small businesses when it comes to utility rate hikes.”
Irwin says creating the utility consumer advocacy office will be AARP’s top priority in Idaho’s 2012 legislative session.