The cold winter is taking a toll on the wallets of many this year.

The low temperatures made for high bills, and now people want to know why the power company is raising rates at a time when money is tight.

The Public Service Commission invited Kentucky Power officials to talk to people in Letcher County about their bills.

Dozens packed the Letcher County courtroom concerning one issue, higher power bills.

Officials with the PSC say their office was flooded with calls about the increase from the county, especially in the winter months.

"December arrives with much colder than normal weather and all of a sudden that rate increase really starts to bite," said Andrew Melnykovych.

Ronn Robinson from Kentucky Power says one of the reasons the company raised rates is that they have to maintain a profit to keep the lights on.

"We have to make enough money to return fair equitable return to our shareholders, and continue to provide reliable affordable electric power," said Robinson.

Gary Rogers says the bills at his fire department have increased from $200 to $700 this winter. He says many in the community are making tough sacrifices.

"They can't afford to eat, can't afford to pay other bills. Can't afford to pay for their medicine or anything because the power bills are sky high," said Rogers.

Rogers says he left disappointed, but power company officials say they want to work with customers to save power.

For tips on how to save energy in your home, you can go to this website:

http://www.kyhomeperformance.com/