New study shows Yuma has 5th highest utility bills in the country

The study confirms what some residents have been seeing for years now - 13 On Your Side's Luis Lopez reports

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Bills, they’re something everyone dreads each month. However, out in Yuma, locals are having to pay more than most of the country.

A new study from Doxo shows that Yuma has the fifth highest utility bills in the country. Citizens are paying an average of $517 a month on utilities. Some of the most commonly paid local companies include Far West Water and Sewer, Spectrum Cable, and APS.

One resident, Kristel Hendren, says that while she does use more, the higher cost was still a surprise.

“About three years ago, I started having to pay about $500 a month because I run my a/c non-stop, so I spoil myself, but half of my mortgage is the same as what is going to my APS bill,” Hendren says.

In fact, her APS bill became so high, she ended up going with an alternative option.

“It was something I was surprised and unhappy to see, so then I got solar panels, which made a little bit of a difference, but it’s still high.”

Many residents we talked to explained that while bills may be more expensive in Yuma, they appreciate that other things, like gas for example, are relatively cheaper.