(WBFF) — With snow scattered on the ground and colder temperatures, many Marylanders opening their winter energy bills voiced frustration and outrage over rising costs.

“My December bill due for January, was actually $548.64,” said Nakita Catchings, who lives in Montgomery County. “I’ve never ever had a bill that high. I live in an apartment, small apartment.”

“The latest BGE Bill was $409.59 which is a little ironic considering I have solar panels,” Middle River’s James Justice said.

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While some residents are faced with turnoff notices, others are forced to make tough decisions in order to find a way to pay their energy bill. Across the board, residents said they are keeping their homes cooler, trying to be more energy efficient, and finding ways to cut costs, but are still stuck with higher bills.

“My son uses a feeding pump about 13 hours out of the day, and most of that is overnight while he’s sleeping. It is a medical necessity and he needs it to survive,” Catchings said. “So yeah, that is a big deal. It makes BGE definitely a priority, and it just means that we have to make sacrifices elsewhere, whether that’s maybe paying rent late, trying to find cheaper groceries, things like that.”

While colder temperatures typically do lead to higher usage, a BGE spokesperson previously said for the the 30-day period ending 12/21, residential electric heating customers used 11% more energy than the same period last year and residential gas heating customers used 13% more energy. Another BGE rate increase also went into effect in January, meaning the average residential electric bill will increase by $1.07 per month, and the average residential natural gas bill will increase by $2.65 per month.

BGE has also drawn criticism over infrastructure spending. While BGE has argued their infrastructure spending is necessary, replacing old-and aging pipes, state and local leaders argue it has driven up costs for consumers.

Energy issues on the state level have also contributed to higher prices as well. Data centers are driving a significant amount of the demand, there is a need for more energy generation in the state, and some lawmakers have voiced concern about how the regional energy grid is being managed by PJM. Numerous bills will be up for debate in Annapolis this legislative session, dealing with various energy-related issues.

“What do I want to tell lawmakers to get off their butts, get together and start working for the people,” Justice said.

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In an email, one resident said, “These kind of increases make it impossible for us to live.” Another resident said, “How is anyone able to sustain these outrageous bills?”

BGE also announced the expansion of its Customer Relief Fund in collaboration with United Way of Central Maryland, providing $2.5 million to support customers. “Beginning January 21 at 8 a.m., eligible residential gas customers in the BGE service area will be able to apply for additional relief from energy cost challenges driven by colder weather and higher energy supply costs at mdutilityrelief.org. Funds will be awarded as applications are received until the fund is fully allocated,” according to BGE. Information can also be found at BGE.com/relief.

However, only certain customers will be eligible. Customers must meet a certain income threshold and have a past-due balance of at least $250. Customers who received a credit last year are not eligible to apply.