ELKINS — Utility costs for West Virginia residents continue to rise and no relief is in sight heading into the new year, according to a new report.

The Mountain State is currently No. 1 in the nation when it comes to cost of utilities, according to the report by Move.org. The site lists West Virginia as having the highest water bills in the country at an average of $121 per month, much higher than the national average, at around $49 per month.

Overall, four of the state’s top utilities saw an increase from a year ago, including electricity, natural gas, sewer and water, the report states. The average electric bill in the U.S. is $138 per month, while natural gas is $85 per month. The average cost of sewer is $67 per month.

West Virginians are paying an average of $120 per month for electricity, $91.70 per month for natural gas, $83 per month for sewer, and $62.50 per month for trash, the report states.

The Mountain State is currently one of seven states in the country with average utility bills higher than the national average – West Virginia’s total is $734, while Missouri’s is $679, Alaska’s is $658, Hawaii’s is $658, Oregon’s is $648, California’s is $624, and Georgia’s is $613.

Bordering states Ohio ($598), Pennsylvania ($531), Virginia ($571), Maryland ($583), and Kentucky ($522) are substantially lower when it comes to total utility costs, the report states.

In six states nationwide, utility costs exceed 10% of the state’s median monthly income and those are West Virginia (13.95%), Mississippi (11.29%), Alabama (10.87%), Missouri (10.4%), Louisiana (10.29%), and Oklahoma (10.09%).

A total of 13 states spend a larger percentage of monthly income on utilities than the national average, including West Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Missouri, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Arkansas, Wyoming, North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio and Texas.

Move.org offers several tips on how to save on monthly utility bills: Adjust your thermostat or get a smart thermostat to automatically lower and raise your home’s temperature based on your schedule; swap out your light bulbs with energy-efficient replacements; unplug electronics you’re not using; Invest in solar panels for your house for long-term savings; replace your water heater if it’s more than 10 years old; replace or clean your home’s air filters once a month to every three months; address leaks and drafts in your home; wash your clothes in cold water; and replace old appliances.

West Virginia’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, provided assistance for low-income residents with heating/cooling bills and energy crises. It is offered by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Family Assistance. Eligibility relies on income, household size, and heating costs. Information can be obtained through local DHHR offices.