The Heat is On: Lower Your Summer Energy Costs
By: Brad Castor, President/CEO
When summer heats up, our electric bills tend to increase as air conditioners are working overtime, driving up home energy consumption. Rich Mountain Electric is your local not-for-profit electricity provider, and we are committed to helping you beat the heat without breaking the bank.
As the temperatures get hotter over the summer, we want to make sure you know about a range of energy-saving offerings designed specifically with you in mind. By taking advantage of these programs and services, you can manage your energy consumption and costs.
Beat the Peak
Lower your energy usage and bills by shifting electric use to periods of lower demand (also known as off-peak times). These peak times are typically in the morning as people start their day and in the evening as people return to their homes. Postponing the use of major appliances and changing your times to shower or bathe are just some ways to beat the peak. Saving energy during peak times reduces your bills, keeps electric rates lower for all and relieves pressure on the grid.
Fixed Budget Billing
When you sign up for fixed budget billing, your energy bill is calculated by averaging your previous 12 months of use. With fixed budget billing, your monthly energy costs are easier to budget and manage, especially during seasonal fluctuations when bills tend to increase based on the weather. Fixed budget billing is a great option for anyone on a fixed income or those with highly variable seasonal needs.
Free Home Energy Audit
Our energy advisers are available to conduct a free energy audit of your home to identify areas where energy is wasted and provide recommendations on ways to improve efficiency and lower your monthly bills.
More Ways to Reduce Use During Extreme Heat
During periods of extreme heat, the demand for electricity can skyrocket, placing additional strain on the grid. By working together to lower our electricity use, we can reduce pressure on the grid.
Here are five ways to lower use at home.
- Raise your thermostat setting a few degrees higher than usual. Every degree can reduce cooling energy consumption.
- Cook with smaller appliances to save energy and reduce heat gain in the kitchen.
- Keep blinds, curtains and shades closed during the hottest part of the day to block direct sunlight.
- Use fans to circulate air, which can make you feel cooler without needing to lower the thermostat.
- Shift activities that require a lot of energy consumption to off-peak hours when demand is lower.
You Have the Power
Small actions combined can have a big impact on summer energy bills.
The best way to lower energy use during summer months is to raise the thermostat to the highest setting that’s comfortable. Ceiling fans can also help you feel cooler, but remember to turn them off when you leave the room. On warm summer nights, fire up the grill to keep additional heat out of the kitchen. Remember to change air filters often so your cooling system doesn’t have to work harder than necessary.
Don’t let energy bills take a toll on your summer fun. We are here to help manage your energy use, whether through efficiency programs and services or energy-saving advice from our local energy advisers.
Contact us at (479) 394-4140 to learn more about practical strategies to lower your use, trim your bills and make this summer a breeze for both you and your wallet.
