Weather affects electric bills

Have you ever wondered why you are most likely to experience your highest electric bills during the hotter and colder months of the year? Unquestionably, a huge factor that affects your power bill is the weather. Heating and cooling systems run longer and harder during extreme temperatures, causing an increase in demand that will ultimately impact your electric bill.

       This summer, temperatures were considerably hotter than last year. According to climatological data from the National Weather Service, there were 40 consecutive days with above average temperatures for May and June. July required 54 percent more cooling than normal to maintain the thermostat settings inside homes and 9 percent more cooling than June. This past July required 32 percent more cooling than last July.

       In January, members experienced higher electric bills due to unusually cold temperatures. According to the Georgia Public Service Commission, December 2009 was 30 percent colder than December 2008. January was even colder, leading many members to increase their electric consumption. There were 11 continuous days in January with average temperatures below freezing. Members may have noticed a substantial difference in their January bill compared to previous years’ bills. It took 26 percent more to heat homes in January 2010 than in January 2009. While no one can control the weather, you can control your energy usage. Knowing how weather affects your bill and using energy efficiently, you can help keep your energy costs manageable. During the warmer months, close curtains during the day, use fans when you’re in the room, check your home for leaks to keep cool air indoors and set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher. In the winter, set your thermostat to at least 68 degrees and caulk air leaks around windows and doors. Remember to replace or clean furnace filters once a month. For more helpful energy and money-saving tips and advice, visit www.togetherwesave.com.

       “We want to do all we can to help GreyStone members keep their electricity costs manageable, and that’s what our Together We Save website is all about. We also offer an energy-saving guide available at www.greystonepower.com,  and it can also be requested by calling 770-942-6576,” says Residential Marketing Department Manager Rudy Echols.

Click here to view the weather data report for the month of August. (PDF)