ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - After raising concerns about soaring and unpredictable utility bills, an Albany woman now has new insight into what may be driving the costs at her home.

Charenthia Blocker, who previously shared her struggle with fluctuating utility bills, recently received an energy audit from the city that officials say points to needed repairs inside her home.

The completed audit recommends improvements such as new caulking, sealing windows and maintaining the roof to prevent energy loss that can drive up heating and cooling costs.

Blocker said she previously tried to address some of those issues. In 2016, she paid thousands of dollars to a contractor from Lee County, Georgia for roof repairs. She said the work was never finished. The contractor was later arrested in Terrell County, Georgia in connection with a similar theft case.

>> Previous Coverage: Albany woman files complaint against roofing company <<

Blocker said learning the unfinished repairs could still be affecting her home today has been frustrating.

>> Previous Coverage: Lee Co. siding, roofing contractor arrested again <<

“I’m scared of once they repair it, then it’s going to go to it again. I’ve lost money again,” Blocker said. “I do not receive any Social Security. I’m too young to receive it as being a widow, so I have to come out of my own pocket.”

City leaders say situations like Blocker’s highlight a broader issue they often see with utility costs.

Chad Warbington said the city’s rates are relatively low, but high energy usage can still lead to expensive bills, especially during extreme weather.

“We don’t have a rate problem in Albany. Our water, gas and electric rates are very low,” Warbington said. “However, we have a consumption problem. Last month was an extremely cold month, and this particular customer’s gas usage was almost double, maybe even triple, what it normally was.”

City officials say residents may be able to reduce their costs through programs designed to improve energy efficiency.

Albany Utilities offers a zero-interest Energy Conservation Loan Program for upgrades such as HVAC systems, insulation and windows. Payments are added directly to a customer’s utility bill, and the program is open to all residents.

The city also operates a Weatherization Program that provides home repairs at no cost for eligible homeowners. Officials say both programs reset in July.

Despite the available resources, Blocker said the uncertainty of her monthly bill still weighs heavily on her as she cares for her young grandchild.

“I’m still a little anxious. I know I’m getting another bill. Am I going to have the money to pay it?” she said.

For now, Blocker said she hopes the audit will lead to lasting improvements. She also plans to seek help from local programs such as the Neighborhood Service Center as she works to maintain her home and support her family.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.