Electric utility customers in the area are seeing very high bills coming off an arctic cold period. Some customers of the Athens Utility Board reported bills in the $500 range and even higher. Power officials say the higher bills are simply for increased power usage, especially in the several days that the high temperature did not get above freezing. Usage was three to four times more than normal. In order to meet the high demand, the company purchased additional power from TVA but rates have been the same since November. Some power customers in other areas including Rhea and Bradley counties reported bills in the $300 to $400 range for a month. Was your electric bill higher than normal? Let us know by commenting on this story.