Today’s date is February 20, 2025. On the way to work, my car said it was -9°F. The high today is expected to peak at a frigid 11°. On the bright side, it’s sunny and there’s a blanket of snow covering the colorless gray/brown ground. Yesterday’s high was 9°, the day before that was 8° and the day before that was 5°. It’s been more than 96 hours of single digit and below zero temperatures. What does this mean for your energy bill? 

HEATING SYSTEMS WORK HARDER. When outdoor temperatures drop, your heating system works overtime to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Electric furnaces, space heaters, and heat pumps use more energy, leading to higher electricity usage.

LONGER HEATING CYCLES. If the weather is harsh, your heating system will run longer cycles to keep your home at the preferred temperature. This constant operation increases energy consumption.

INCREASED USE OF ELECTRIC APPLIANCES. Shorter days and colder weather often mean more time spent indoors. This leads to increased use of lights, electronics, and kitchen appliances, contributing to a higher electric bill.

POOR INSULATION & DRAFTS. If your home has inadequate insulation or air leaks around doors and windows, warm air escapes while cold air seeps in. This forces your heating system to work even harder to compensate for the heat loss.

Whether you use propane or electricity, the amount of electricity it takes to comfortably heat your home is going to be high and that equates to higher bills. We saw this with the cold snaps we had in December and January. Our members’ bills were up, some of them significantly.

I would like to remind folks how to think of your usage or kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption. The meter at your house is measuring the amount of power you are using over an hour of time. It’s measured in kWh. Your bill is calculated using the number of kWh you use during the month and multiplying it by the price of the kWh we sell. The price of energy or the price per kWh has not changed since 2012, however, in May 2023, we did have an increase in our facilities charge (Monthly Service Charge) portion of your bill. As you saw in last month’s newsletter and you will see in this month’s newsletter, we are planning an increase that will be effective May 1, 2025. The details are spelled out in greater detail in the Official Rate Notice. However, you may also call the office if you wonder how you specifically may be impacted.

Did you know that a typical household uses 50-60% of its electricity for heating and cooling and 12-15% on water heating? The rest is typically used for refrigeration, lights, small appliances and electronics.

Here are some common ways to lower your bill:

USE LESS HOT WATER. Shorter showers, launder your clothes on cold, do dishes in the dishwasher and only when the dishwasher is full.

DON’T USE SPACE HEATERS OR USE THEM SPARINGLY. A 1500W heater can cost you an additional $123 per month if it runs constantly.

FOR LIVESTOCK, USE TANK HEATERS WITH THE LOWEST WATTAGE RATING that you can get by with to do the job.

ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT. Lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees can result in substantial savings. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting it to 68°F while you're awake and lowering it while you sleep or are away.

USE A PROGRAMMABLE OR SMART THERMOSTAT. These devices automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule, optimizing energy use and reducing waste.

SEAL DRAFTS & IMPROVE INSULATION. Use weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent heat loss. Adding insulation to attics and walls can also improve your home's energy efficiency.

DRESS WARMLY INDOORS. Wearing cozy layers, socks, and blankets can help you feel comfortable without having to crank up the heat.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SUNLIGHT. Open curtains during the day to let in natural heat from the sun and close them at night to keep the warmth inside.

UNPLUG UNUSED ELECTRONICS. Many appliances and devices continue to draw power even when turned off. Unplugging items or using smart power strips can help reduce unnecessary energy use.

MAINTAIN YOUR HEATING SYSTEM. Regularly replacing air filters and scheduling professional HVAC maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently, preventing excessive energy use.

By taking these steps, you can keep your home warm and comfortable while keeping your electric bill in check. Stay cozy and energy-conscious this winter!