Surprised by a sudden utility hike, feeling squeezed on all sides

Last month, my electric bill nearly doubled without any real change in my usage. I live alone in a modest apartment, and I’ve been careful to unplug things and switch off lights, but this spike is really throwing off my budget. I’ve always managed to keep my monthly expenses balanced, but now I’m worried about making rent and covering groceries. I tried calling the utility company to ask about the increase, but their explanation was vague, just blaming rate changes. I’m not sure if there’s a way to contest it or if I should look into energy assistance programs. I’m also hesitant to cut back too much on heating since it’s getting colder. Has anyone experienced unexpected utility increases like this? How did you handle it without sacrificing your basic comfort? Are there any lesser-known support options or tricks to lower these bills that actually work?