South Carolinians are cutting their energy use this summer, despite the heat. The State reported Monday the four major utilities serving South Carolina say energy use is either flat or down a bit, compared to last summer.

Out come the sweaters, up goes the thermostat. It’s that time of the year…but consistent with many other things going up during these economic times, natural gas is also pricier this year. WJBF News Channel 6’s Joy Howe tells us how many customers may soon be feeling extra heat in their wallets.

SCE & G requests for a mid-year rate increase. Rates could go up 6 percent.