Ways to Manage Your Monthly Energy Bill

For Immediate Release

Contact: Renee Whitener, Director of Public Relations, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, (828) 758-2383 ext. 3213; Pager:1-800-471-1323; or E-mail: Renee Whitener

Lenoir, North Carolina (October 25, 2005) – With energy costs rising due to recent natural disasters and the resulting devastation to oil refineries in the Gulf Coast, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation is offering advice and programs to help members manage their monthly power bills.

Winter Bills are Typically Higher In General

While recent events are pushing costs up, consumers should understand that winter energy bills are typically higher than any other time of the year. This is because people spend more time indoors. They’re using energy in areas such as: heating, watching more TV, using computers and other electronics, cooking and entertaining inside more frequently, and in general using home appliances more often.

Budget Billing Plans Can Help Manage Monthly Costs

One way to ease higher winter energy bills is to sign up for Blue Ridge Electric’s Budget Billing plan. This is also available to customers of the cooperative’s home heating fuels subsidiary, Blue Ridge Energies. Budget Billing allows members to “levelize” their bills by spreading out their total energy costs throughout the year. The amount a member pays is based on his particular usage and history to come up with a monthly amount. Then in the twelfth month, the bill is “evened up” and a final bill or refund is sent. Bank draft can also help ensure members don’t a miss a monthly power bill and saves on the cost of postage. Members can still monitor their monthly usage.

Take Control of Your Monthly Energy Bills

There are steps homeowners can take to help manage their monthly power bills. Many are simple, low cost or no cost actions you can take. Others may involve a larger financial investment but can give homeowners a pay back in terms of lower energy bills.

No- or Low-Cost Steps You Can Take To Manage Your Monthly Energy Bill

Seal air leaks by caulking and weather-stripping. Caution should be used in homes with fuel burning equipment to insure units will continue to vent properly.
Water heater thermostats typically should be set no-higher than 120 degrees unless circumstances in the home require a higher setting. If it’s an older unit located in a non-conditioned area, consideration should be given to adding an additional insulating blanket on the exterior of the tank.
Read your meter everyday to become more aware of energy consumption and factors that impact consumption such as weather, new appliances, equipment problems, changes in lifestyles
Use reversible ceiling fans to improve comfort and air distribution
Maintain proper humidity levels in the home to improve comfort.
Make sure air filters are checked and cleaned or replaced monthly, or according to manufacturer’s specifications.
Consider setting back heating thermostats where appropriate. The rule of thumb is you may save as much as 1% on heating costs, per degree of setback, for every eight hours of setback time.
When choosing to set back a central heating system’s thermostat, room heating units can be used for brief periods of time to increase temperature in specific areas of the home. There are a few precautionary steps to take with the use of space heaters: always follow manufacturer’s operation instructions and building code guidelines. Make sure electrical circuits are not overloaded and wiring is in good condition. If you have a heat pump, make sure the backup heat doesn’t inadvertently come on when the temperature is raised to a higher setting.
Consider discontinuing use of conventional fireplaces that burn firewood. Or, use fireplaces sparingly. Unless they have a separate outside air source, fireplaces can waste a tremendous amount of energy by drawing heat out of the home. When the fireplace is not being used, make sure dampers are closed and/or glass fireplace doors are closed properly. If a woodstove is used, operate it according to manufacturer’s guidelines, building codes and make sure it’s listed by an approved rating agency like UL. Make sure the flue or chimney is in proper operating condition.
Check with your energy service provider to see if they offer any special rates and discounts

If you have internet access visit www.BlueRidgeEMC.com for:

On-line energy audits you can conduct yourself in your home or business.
Home energy and appliance calculators, and a children’s energy page. Members can run different energy scenarios for their home to get an idea of the impact changes can make on their energy usage.
Links from the Blue Ridge Electric home page to many sites that promote energy efficiency
Visit www.BlueRidgeEnergies.com for special programs for senior citizen discounts on propane, information on how to receive a $50 credit on your propane bill when you refer a friend to Blue Ridge Energies, information on budget billing, bank draft and more.

Other Investments that will Show a Payback on Monthly Energy Bills

Make sure your home has the proper amount of insulation for your climate area and that it is properly installed. Minimum recommended amounts are the current NC building code standards. In Blue Ridge Electric’s service area this is at least R-30 in the ceiling, R-15 walls, R-19 floor.
Duct work on central heating systems should be inspected by a qualified service person to insure they are sealed properly. Studies have shown unless ducts are permanently sealed, as much as 25 percent of the systems heating capacity could be wasted.
Fuel burning appliances should be inspected by a qualified and properly trained service person every year for proper and safe operation, with heat pumps requiring this every one to three years. Every home with a fuel burning appliance should have one or more carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms.
When replacing appliances and heating equipment consider upgrading to energy star rated appliances. These can save money in energy costs over the appliances lifetime.

Note: Always follow manufacturer’s equipment operation / maintenance and code guidelines when operating, modifying or installing equipment.