How to save energy, manage cost during COVID-19 pandemic

As more families comply with stay-at-home orders, they may see a surge in home energy use – and in upcoming electric bills. What follows are some simple steps you can take to save energy and keep your energy costs manageable during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

• Program your thermostat to maximize energy savings. Setting your thermostat one degree lower when heating or one degree higher when cooling can reduce energy use by up to 5 percent.
• Do full loads of laundry and wash with cold water. Using warm water instead of hot can cut a load’s energy use in half; using cold water will save even more.
• Air dry dishes. This step can cut your dishwasher’s energy use by up to 50 percent.
• Substitute LEDs for conventional light bulbs. Lighting can amount to up to 12 percent of monthly energy use. LED bulbs can cut lighting costs by 75 percent.
• Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. Small appliances and electronics use energy even when not in use. When powered on, game consoles, televisions and similar electronics are responsible for up to 12 percent of energy use.
• To keep informed about your home’s energy consumption, Roanoke Electric Co-op urges member-owners to sign up for high energy use text alerts. Text “JOIN” to 352667 to begin receiving the notifications.

For questions about your energy bill, please call (252) 209-2236.

Source: NRECA’s Straight Talk