The Grand Strand and Pee Dee areas broke records with low temperatures several days during December. Energy companies in our area say since it was so cold, and that chill came so early in the winter season, they saw a spike in the demand for energy.

That December chill is over, but the bill is on the way. Janice Foxworth of Conway is waiting. "I'm definitely expecting a higher electric bill. I didn't even have a Christmas tree but I know my bill will be higher."

Captain Bret McElroy with the Salvation Army says they're seeing people who've never needed help before. "Energy bills are a big issue. In fact we've seen people coming to us with $400-$500 energy bills and people that can't pay those bills."

And those people often get frustrated when help isn't readily available. The Salvation Army has only so much money each month to assist people.

McElroy says people are helped on a first come, first serve basis, though further priority is given to those in desperate need, especially the elderly and single parents with young kids.

Santee Cooper, which provides utilities to many in our area, says they have already received many calls from customers complaining about high bills. The company says if you contact them, there may be a chance they can work with you.

The Salvation Army says even if they can't help people financially, they still give anything they can -- from clothing to blankets to food. And they add, it starts with the public making those needed donations.