February 2010
Brutal Cold Snap Impacts Energy Bills

Walton EMC customer-owners experienced one of the most sustained cold snaps in recent history during the first part of January. Not only did the cold spell include frigid temperatures, most saw at least a dusting of snow.

According to WEMC's Engineering Director Hudson Kingery, the cooperative set a new winter record for peak demand during the period. The new record reflects the additional need for heating and extra heat loss from water heating systems, hot tubs and other appliances.

It may also include energy used for cold weather occurrences like preventing or thawing frozen pipes and using block heaters on diesel engines.

According to data from the National Weather Service, the first two weeks of January required 44 percent more heating than normal. The large increase in energy use will probably be reflected on the February bills of most customer-owners.

Here are tips you can use to fight energy bill fluctuations caused by temperature extremes:

• Sign up for levelized billing. Levelized billing allows you to pay nearly the same amount on your power bill each month. You still pay for the energy you use, it's just spread out over the entire year.
• Keep your thermostat at 68 degrees and wear an extra layer of clothing. Don't go around the house with bare feet.
• Run ceiling fans on reverse at the lowest speed to move warmer air at the ceiling down toward the living space.
• Check insulation levels in the attic, crawlspace and basement. Add more if needed.
• Lower the water heater to 120 degrees and insulate all hot water pipes.
• Use an electric space heater for spot heating and turn the main thermostat down.
• Install a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature when you're sleeping or away.
• Use a well insulated cover on hot tubs.
• Make sure the fireplace damper is closed when not in use.

Look here for a video on making your home more energy efficient.