Dear Members, 

We’re in the middle of winter and the colder temperatures are resulting in higher energy bills. Even though we’re in the business of selling energy and meeting your electricity demand needs, we do not want you to waste money and pay more than you should. Taking the time to do some of the little things correctly can add up to big savings on your electric bill and extra money in your pocket. 

Energy efficiency remains a key part of our efforts to keep your power costs down. Best of all, energy efficiency — simply making the electricity you use do more — saves you money.

I encourage you to utilize the tools on RandolphEMC.com under the Manage My Energy section, or you can contact our office and request paper copies of this information if needed. The website is a valuable resource that identifies simple energy-saving ideas you can implement in your home and provides interactive tools you can use to evaluate how different changes can impact your bill. 

Randolph EMC also has energy use experts on staff to assist members with operating your homes and businesses as efficiently as possible. They have performed hundreds of energy audits over the years. Below are some of the most common culprits of high bills they find. 

Thermostat set too high in the winter or too low in summer

This causes the heat pump to run for longer periods and use more energy.

Solution: The Department of Energy recommends a setting of 68 degrees for winter and 78 degrees in the summer. Also, have an HVAC technician check the thermostat for proper calibration.

Low refrigerant in the heat pump or air conditioner

This causes the system to revert to auxiliary heat (strip heat), which uses up to 3 times the energy of the heat pump.

Solution: Have a qualified HVAC (Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning) technician check the heat pump/air conditioner for leaks and charge with the proper amount of refrigerant.

Heat pump thermostat is set on Emergency Heat or E Heat (strip heat)

This bypasses the heat pump completely and heating is provided solely by the strip heat. Some folks mistake the “E” in this setting for “efficient” heating, when in fact, it’s the most inefficient setting your system has!

Solution: Change the mode on the thermostat from E Heat to Heat.

Leaky or loose ductwork

This causes the heat pump to run longer because heated or cooled air enters unconditioned spaces like your crawlspace or attic instead of your home.

Solution: Have an HVAC technician check for leaky or loose ductwork and make the necessary repairs.

Water heater/water heater pipe leaking

This will cause the water heater element(s) to energize for longer periods trying to heat the incoming water replacing what is leaking out.

Solution: Check regularly for leaks. If a leak is found, have an experienced handyman or licensed plumber fix the leak or replace the water heater if needed.

Well pump running continuously

This can happen because of a burst water pipe, which could be anywhere from inside the well, in the line to your home or underneath the home. If the issue is on the hot water side, the water heater can energize in addition to the well pump running, increasing your costs even more.

Solution: Have an experienced handyman or licensed plumber fix the leak.

Electric space heaters

These heaters use resistance heat which can consume a lot of energy and are costly to operate.

Solution: If this type of heater is used, only use one and move it to the room you are going to occupy (otherwise known as zone heating). Be sure to follow all the safety recommendations, including placing the heater at least three feet away from any combustible materials.

I highly recommend that you sign up for usage monitoring on our online member service portal. This free service allows residential members to view the amount of energy used on a daily basis, along with the high and low temperatures for each day. All of your historical information is available immediately; simply log in to your REMC account and visit the MyUsage section of the portal.

Another great feature is the ability to receive email alerts when daily usage exceeds a threshold that you establish. Getting this alert can provide advance notice of high use — prior to getting your monthly bill. 

Finding ways to help you save energy dollars is important to us, and we’re excited to offer a new way of financing some of the improvements that can yield big results. Randolph EMC recently partnered with ElecTel Cooperative Federal Credit Union to give members access to their exclusive Energy Efficient Loan Program. Approved property owners can borrow up to $35,000 for home improvements, including new windows and doors, electric heat pumps, furnaces, air conditioners, generators, water heaters, insulation, ENERGY STAR^® appliances and more. 

The Energy Efficient Loan Program features up to 100 percent financing of the purchase price, including taxes and installation costs with low interest rates and flexible repayment terms. If you’re in the market to make your home more energy efficient, I encourage you to look into this valuable benefit available as part of your membership! You can contact ElecTel directly at 800-849-5600 or visit electel.org for more information.

Cooperatively Yours,

Dale F. Lambert Chief Executive Officer