Decreasing temperatures have led to an increased financial burden on many residents of Selma and Dallas County.

Temperatures consistently near the freezing mark have caused gas and electric powered heating units to work overtime during an unseasonably cool December.

While they don’t have an exact number, Alabama Power media relations representative Jan Ellis said they expect the combination of cooler temperatures and the holidays to lead to higher wattage use.

“As of right now the figures aren’t on record, but we believe people used a lot more electricity over the last month,” she said. “There was a combination of cooler temperatures than we normally have and people had a lot more company with family coming into town. People used more power for Christmas lights and probably cooked more than usual.”

The National Weather Service reported the average high for Selma in December to be 60 degrees and the average low at 37. Several days of December for the past year saw highs hovering around the 40s and 50s and lows at or below freezing.

Many who were not prepared for the cold weather had to buy temporary sources of heat.

Chad Chappelle, whose family owns Rountree Electric, said they saw an increase in temporary and permanent heaters.

“We’ve definitely seen an increase in both gas and electric sales,” he said. “We’ve also seen an increase in space heaters too. There has been an increase in just about everything from the gas heaters and electric units to heating elements.”

The same was true for Selma Hardware Supply salesman Joe Bennett.

“We have probably sold a couple more space heaters,” he said.

The biggest problem with the cool temperatures has not been the icy temperatures. It has been the shock people experience when they open their utility bills. For those who are on disability or elderly on a fixed income, there is help.

The Black Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross will begin accepting applications for Project Share, the energy assistance program that provides assistance to the low-income elderly and disabled individuals, on Monday, Jan. 10.

In a release late last week, the Red Cross chapter said, Dallas County residents can make an appointment with the Black Belt office in Selma by calling 874-4641. Walk-up appointments are not allowed, the chapter said, only telephone appointments will be honored.

Funds will be distributed to qualified individuals until funds are exhausted and will be disbursed on a first call basis.

According to the release, the Red Cross chapter said a representative will interview applicants seeking financial assistance in paying their energy bill. For those who qualify, payments will be made directly to the energy supplier.

To qualify for assistance, the family income must be within certain guidelines depending on the size of the household. In addition, the head of the household must be at least 62 years of age or older and receiving a disability check.