Summer residential rates return beginning with May 1 electric bills. While our summer rates are slightly higher (12.48¢) than our winter rates (11.49¢), the co-op is currently issuing a wholesale power cost adjustment (WPCA) credit, which reduces the billed cost for power.

The co-op recommends an air conditioning setting of 78° F for an occupied home and 85° F for an unoccupied home. If you find the 78° F setting uncomfortable, check your home’s indoor humidity level. If it is above 50%, look for ways to reduce indoor humidity to allow for a higher thermostat setting. Strategies for reducing indoor humidity include running bathroom exhaust fans while showering, covering pots and pans while cooking, and reducing the number of indoor plants that require frequent watering. Keep in mind that oversized air-conditioning systems will not run long enough to properly dehumidify, so avoid the urge to oversize when installing a new HVAC system.

Fans are an economical way to cool off but remember: fans cool people. They do not cool rooms. Therefore, cut fans off in unoccupied rooms. Likewise, you should never operate your HVAC system in the “On” mode, which will continuously operate the system blower. Use the “Auto” mode instead.

If you are going to be way from home an extended period of time, turn your thermostat to 85°F and cut your water heater breaker off. When you are home we recommend a thermostat setting of 78°F.

If summer generally produces your highest electric bills during the year, consider enrolling in our levelized billing program before temperatures crank up. Levelized billing is a great way to insulate yourself from seasonal billing fluctuations.