The Sedgwick County Commission has declared a State of Local Disaster Emergency Declaration due to the extreme winter weather.
The cold temperatures have strained utility services including the demand for natural gas and electricity. Also some residents have reported water damage due to pipe breaks.
KSN News reports that Commissioner Lacy Cruze says, customers will be facing the brunt of the increased cost for utilities. "Customers are going to see bills that are 200% - 300% higher of what they are used to," Cruze said.
The county commission was advised that several towns, including Kechi and Cheney, are not able to afford the cost of natural gas.
The emergency declaration allows the county access to federal funds to lend assistance on a municipal level.