With summer temperatures climbing and household expenses continuing to rise, the Natchitoches Parish Journal is bringing back a contest designed to provide some direct relief to local residents.

The Journal’s “Pay My Utility Bill” contest will pay the current monthly utility bill of selected Natchitoches Parish residents.

Electricity costs remain a growing concern for households across the country. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that electricity prices increased 4% during the 12 months ending in June. Food, housing, insurance and other routine expenses have also continued to place pressure on family budgets.

Louisiana generally has lower electricity rates than many other states, but its residents often use more electricity because of the state’s long, hot and humid summers. The U.S. Energy Information Administration previously estimated that Louisiana residential customers paid an average of about $142 per month for electricity, roughly equal to the national average despite the state’s lower per-kilowatt-hour rates.

Those averages offer little comfort when an individual household receives a summer bill that is substantially higher.

Air-conditioning systems run longer as temperatures rise, and older homes, aging equipment and insufficient insulation can increase electricity consumption. For many families, a high utility bill arrives alongside grocery costs, housing payments, vehicle expenses and other monthly obligations.

The Journal created the contest to give several local households a little breathing room.

To enter, contestants must submit their full name, working cellphone number, email address and the exact current amount due on their utility bill.

The service address must be located in Natchitoches Parish, and the contestant’s name must appear on the bill. Entrants should retain the original bill or a copy because the winning contestant will be required to provide proof of the amount submitted.

Only the current amount due will be considered. Multiple entries will not be accepted.

Winners must consent to having their name and photograph published by the Journal. The Journal will not sell information submitted through the contest.

Residents may review the complete rules and enter the “Pay My Utility Bill” contest at:

When nearly everything costs more, one paid utility bill could make a meaningful difference. The Natchitoches Parish Journal hopes the contest will provide that relief to some of its readers this summer.