Everyone laments high heating bills, and the increased expense hits those with low incomes especially hard. Unfortunately, when the mercury dips and the thermostat settings rise, a higher utility bill is inevitable. There are several variables that can contribute to increased heating costs in the winter months, among them the quality of a home’s construction, how well it is insulated, and how cold are the temperatures.

Southside residents are understandably upset that their heating costs have gone up significantly this winter, and asking for assistance and answers from the city, which provides residents with their public utilities, is well within their rights.

The suggestion made by some Southside community leaders that the city is intentionally billing low-income citizens with higher rates is misguided. The suggestion made by others that the city is intentionally targeting black residents is completely out of line.

The south side of the city is not the only part of town experiencing significantly higher heating bills this winter; several residents in other neighborhoods have reported higher bills as well. Community leaders would do well to get answers before making accusations.