Welcome to a fully regulated rate structure, throw in the combined weight of years and years of "its for the environment" and the costs go to the people who have the least voice and for many the least ability to pay.
The have so regulated pricing and punitive structures into service there that they have to have assistance programs just to alleviate the burden on middle income and lower consumers.
That's what I thought. My house is about the same size as his and completely exposed to weather. While I live in not-so-balmy Minnesota, it does get well above 90F and humid regularly in summer. Not to mention that the only non-electric heating appliance is the furnace.
I get irritable if my bill hits $250, I'd be freaking out at an average of $500/month.
The have so regulated pricing and punitive structures into service there that they have to have assistance programs just to alleviate the burden on middle income and lower consumers.