GLASGOW, KY – Summer is almost officially here, and with the warmer than average temperatures, your electric bill could see some fluctuation. There are some expensive ways to improve that, and there are also some easy ways to cut down on your electric bill.
WCLU spoke with Aaron Russell, Marketing and Communications Director for the Glasgow Electric Plant Board, about ways to save money when every penny counts. Russell explained that nearly 75 percent of electric usage usually comes from your air, heating, and cooling system and water heater, so any way to curb that energy expenditure would be where you would see the main reduction in your bill.
As a TVA member, Glasgow EPB customers are eligible to receive rebates for upgrading to more energy efficient structures and systems. The energyright.com website has all the information and process by which to obtain those. For example, a new HVAC system could award a $1,500 rebate; a new water heater could mean an $800 rebate; $500 for new insulation, and a 15% discount on new windows. However, it is extremely important to know that if you want these rebates, the process must begin on the www.energyright.com website. Work must be completed by a member of the quality contractor program, which means only certain companies that have been approved by TVA could install a new HVAC system or windows, or other type of upgrade. The rebate has to be verified before the work begins. Russell explains…
While many of those solutions do require a sizable investment, some are very simple. Making sure your doors and windows are closed with children running in and out of the house all summer, is just one way. Making sure the weather stripping is sealed tight on your garage is another solution. Other solutions include setting your thermostat to 78 degrees and running fans (fans require very little energy to operate), setting your water heater temperature lower, as well as using less hot water, in general, will help lower your bill. You can see a comprehensive guideline on the Glasgow EPB’s website by clicking the “Support” tab.
More on this story, tomorrow. Below are links to the various websites mentioned in this story
In parts 2 and 3 of this series, we will continue with a story on commonly unknown or misunderstood conceptions of energy usage, as well as ways to combat rising insurance prices on the property you own.
