Blue Ridge Electric Assisting Members As Record Cold Leads to Higher Energy Usage, Higher Bills

Lenoir, North Carolina (January 12, 2010) – With record cold temperatures in December and early January causing increased energy usage that will have an impact on electric bills, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation is working to help members find solutions to make their bills more manageable.

"The colder weather coupled with the recession is creating a situation where we're seeing people request assistance who have never have had to ask for it before and our member representatives are sensitive to the fact that it's often painful for people to ask for help," said Sandra Hicks, director of member services. "Our goal is to find a solution that meets the member's needs on the first call to alleviate their anxiety. We're working with members individually to offer options such as setting up payment plans that allow them to pay off the bill over a longer period of time."

Dr. Ray Russell, professor at Appalachian State University and host of RaysWeather.com, said he’s not surprised cold weather is having an effect on electricity usage. “Temperatures have been below normal since December 18th. In fact, a new record was set in Boone when temperatures stayed below 20 degrees for five consecutive days on January 2nd through the 6th,” he added.

Record low temperatures have also led to a new record at Blue Ridge Electric: a new peak record for power use was set Friday evening when electricity demand from members hit 340 megawatts. Demand for electricity has been higher throughout the cold snap.

Blue Ridge Electric is handling the increased demand and ensuring members have the power they need. The cooperative has invested in reliability maintenance and improvements to its transmission and distribution facilities in order to be able to deliver reliable power to members even at peak demands.

While many members will benefit from the ability to spread out their payments over a longer period of time, there is also help for members in need of financial crisis assistance. Operation Round Up funds are dispersed by local community agencies to help with electric, fuel or weatherization assistance. Last year, 958 members received assistance worth over $105,000.

Members wanting tips for controlling energy usage in winter can start with the following suggestions:

• Have your heat pump serviced properly and according to your manufacturer’s recommendations so that it’s operating at maximum performance and efficiency. Heating and cooling make up a substantial portion of your energy bill.
• Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the time you turn on the heating. Lowering temperatures even just a few degrees at night while you sleep can help save.
• Seal air leaks so you don’t lose warm air or let cold air in. A qualified heating technician can check your heating system’s duct work and make any necessary repairs and ensure they’re sealed properly. Caulk, seal, and weatherstrip all seams, cracks and openings to the outside especially around doors and windows. You can even install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on walls.
• When a fireplace isn’t in use, keep the flue damper tightly closed.
• Open curtains and blinds on southern-facing windows during the daytime to allow the sun to help naturally heat your home.
• Water heating is typically the third largest energy user in most homes. Reduce hot water usage by installing low-flow faucets and showerheads. Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees and properly insulate older model water heaters according to manufacturer’s suggestions. Blue Ridge offers water heater wrap kits at greatly discounted member prices in district offices.
• Appliances also contribute to a home’s energy usage, especially refrigerators, washers and dryers, freezers, cooking units and dishwashers. Be sure to select Energy Star models if you’re looking to replace appliances.
  

Members wanting more ideas of ways to save energy and money should consider taking an online energy audit at www.BlueRidgeEMC.com. Click on the “Together We Save” box or go directly to www.TogetherWeSave.com for the audit and more ways to save.

Blue Ridge Electric is a local electric cooperative serving some 73,000 member-owners in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes, Avery and Alexander counties.