With cooler temperatures save energy costs
With cooler temperatures comes an opportunity to know how save energy costs at home
While the company expects to have enough electricity to meet the demand, it is reminding customers of the importance of energy efficiency, especially during peak periods, and offers these tips to help keep warm while conserving electricity:
Keep the thermostat between 68-70 degrees. Each degree above 70 adds three to six percent to the bill.
* For heat pump users, set the thermostat to a constant setting and leave it there, and make sure drapes and furniture are not blocking air registers or returns.
* Limit the use of unnecessary appliances -- such as washing machines or dishwashers -- during the peak period. When possible, use efficient microwave ovens for cooking instead of stoves.
Other steps customers can take to ensure energy efficiency include:
* Check filters -- dirty filters can increase operating costs by 20 percent.
* Caulk any space around windows and other places where air leaks.
* If your home has a fireplace, be sure the damper fits tightly, and close it when the fireplace is not in use. Add a glass fireplace screen.
* Cover bare floors with carpet or rugs.
* If possible, remove window air conditioning units in winter. Otherwise, install an inexpensive air conditioner cover to stop drafts coming
through the vents.
* Use insulated or heavy curtains on windows facing the north side of the house. Keep curtains and shades closed at night and on cloudy days.
* Wrap your water heater with an insulation blanket, available at hardware stores. It can help you save about $20 a year on energy costs.
Customers can help aid low income families: Progress Energy Florida customers can join the company in aiding low-income families in need of assistance with energy costs through the Energy Neighbor Fund. Since 1988, Progress Energy has raised more than $6 million. In 2002, Progress Energy and its customers contributed nearly $600,000 including a $300,000 matching contribution from the company. For further questions on the Energy Neighbor Fund, please call Progress Energy at (800) 700-8744.
Residents can also take advantage of Progress Energy programs designed to help customers control electricity use. Some of these programs include:
Budget Billing: Customers on fixed incomes or others who need a bill that is a consistent amount are encouraged to take advantage of Budget Billing. The program is free and helps customers forecast monthly energy costs and better plan their finances. Customers pay an average amount that is approximately the same each month. The difference between the budget billing amount and the actual amount also appears on the bill.
Home Energy Check: A free home energy inspection can be conducted for customers by a Progress Energy representative. The representative will survey the home's insulation, duct work, water heating, cooling and heating systems and overall efficiency. Then the customer is provided with energy-saving recommendations and practices and other cost-effective, energy-saving measures.
For more information about these programs, customers should visit http://www.progress-energy.com or call 1-800-700-8744.
Progress Energy Florida Expecting Possible Record Use On Monday, January 24 Cautions customers to use electricity wisely ... Sunday January 23, 3:13 pm ET ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Progress Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Progress Energy (NYSE: PGN - News), provides electricity and related services to more than 1.5 million customers in Florida. The company is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., and serves a territory encompassing over 20,000 square miles including the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater, as well as the Central Florida area surrounding Orlando. For more information about Progress Energy, visit the company's Web site at: http://www.progress-energy.com.