Summer Energy Savings

 

Did you know:    Texans utility rates have risen 65% between 1999 and 2007.
Did you know:    Families in Houston and Dallas pay some of the highest utility rates in the nation.

During the summer months, just how much energy affects us all becomes painfully clear.  From the impact on our bank accounts at paying higher utility bills to the discomfort and danger that come with dealing with near 100 degree temperatures, energy affects us all everyday.  Since the current Republican leadership in Austin has not made lowering utility rates a priority, we have taken it upon ourselves to tell you ways you can make it through the summer months by conserving electricity and how it will save your family money.

 

Conserve Electricity
The following tips can help you reduce your household electricity use. The Public Utility Commission says it's especially important during peak usage hours from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.

-  Turn off unnecessary lights, appliances and electronic equipment. 
 

-  Put appliances that don't need to be left on during the day onto power strips, and turn off the strip when not in use to avoid "phantom" energy drain.

- Set air conditioning thermostat to 85 degrees when you are not at home.  Set to 78 degrees when you are home.  Just a few degrees can add up to big savings. 

- Never underestimate the use of blinds and curtains with black-out panels.  These can block out heat and sunlight during summer months, requiring less energy to cool your space. 

- Use ceiling fans and oscillating fans to keep air moving while you are home.

- Close air conditioning vents in rooms not being used. 

- Wash only full loads of laundry and try washing on cold or warm rather than hot.

- Use the dishwasher only when full and rather than heat drying, let the dishes air dry. 

- Plan meals that can be cooked in the oven all at once, thereby making use of all of the energy it takes to heat your oven. 

- Try cooking on the grill, it saves energy and prevents heating up your kitchen and requiring more air conditioning.

- For other no- or low-cost conservation tips or other energy efficiency improvements you can make to your home by clicking the links provided on the PowerfulAdvice section of the PUC's Web site.

- Go to www.powertochoose.org to see if you can save money by switching to a lower cost retail electricity provider.  Your choice of electric provider does not affect the reliability of your electric service, the frequency or duration of outages, or the time it will take to have your electric service restored if an outage occurs.

- If the summer months are hitting your bank account and you need help paying your electric bill, sign up for payment plans.  Call TX at 1-800-242-9113 or Reliant Energy at 866-RELIANT.  

- You can also find information about payment assistance, low-income weatherization and bill payment assistance programs as well as other energy efficiency information online at www.puc.state.tx.us or by calling 1-888-742-8477.