BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Summer heat means higher energy use and higher bills— Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) shares what customers can do to save energy and money.
BGE says residents could see higher electric bills this summer, due to rising electricity supply prices set by the regional wholesale electricity market, PJM.
“We understand that customers are concerned about cost, especially when the price of PJM electricity supply has increased significantly this summer compared to last summer,” said BGE officials, “BGE does not control the price of electricity supply, and the cost is passed through to customers.”
BGE pointed to the retirement of some power plants, limits on the transmission grid, and growing demand for electricity as key reasons for the higher costs.
The most important action customers can take today is control their energy use. Small changes can make a big difference on your bill, as conserving energy during extreme heat not only saves you money, it also helps alleviate strain on the electric grid.
Here is what customers can do to save energy and money this summer:
- Maintain your A/C system by having the unit serviced and cleaned. Regular maintenance will keep your system running at peak efficiency.
- Keep cool air in and hot air out. Use caulking or weather-stripping around drafty windows and doors to help prevent warm air from entering your home.
- Turning on ceiling fans or standalone fans while you’re in a room can help keep you comfortable without making your cooling system work harder.
- Close blinds, shades and drapes during the day. An estimated 30% of unwanted heat in a home comes through windows. Consider investing in blackout curtains.
- Monitor your thermostat. During the summer months, cooling systems typically account for nearly half of a home’s energy consumption. You can save by turning up your thermostat 7 – 10F for eight hours a day from its normal setting.
- Turn it off. Turn off unnecessary lights, non-essential appliances, electronics, and other devices.
Additional tips:
- Lower your water heater temperature and take shorter hot showers.
- Change your air filters regularly. Replacing these filters can help lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by up to 15%.
- Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
- Reduce kitchen heat. Delay the use of major heat-generating household appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers, and dryers until after 9 p.m. when the temperature begins to drop.
Local Story
