Rocky Mountain Power Press Release
Chilly winter weather has arrived and Rocky Mountain Power is sharing some helpful steps for customers to manage electricity bills while staying cozy.
“Because energy use is very sensitive to temperature in both winter and summer, high bill concerns from customers tend to occur whenever extreme weather hits,” said Aric Muhlestein, Rocky Mountain Power director of customer service and support. “We offer a number of ways to manage bills during those times of the year as well as financial incentives for people making home improvements to lower their electric usage, such as adding insulation.”
Customers often contact the company concerning monthly bills during severe winter temperatures. All electric homes that use baseboard and electric water heating or use portable electric heaters are particularly impacted. Operating a standard portable heater just five hours a day can increase your bill an extra $30 a month, and engine block heaters also create added costs.
However, there are a number of wattsmart steps customers can take to keep winter bills under control.
- Setting the thermostat to 68 degrees when at home and 60 degrees at night
- Changing heating system filters and cleaning air vents
- Closing drapes and blinds at night
- Washing clothes with cold water
- Using LED light bulbs
- Limiting the use of portable space heaters
Another popular choice for customers is equal pay. Under equal pay, energy costs are averaged out over the year so bills are more predictable and manageable.
“The sooner you call, the better for equal pay,” said Muhlestein. “If you wait until the higher bills have already come, your average will have gone up, too. This program also helps if you have high cooling costs in the summer.”
Customers can enroll in equal pay online at rockymountainpower.net, via the Rocky Mountain Power mobile app, or by phone at 1-888-221-7070.