Serving Energy Needs of Rural Texans Since 1939
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NewCorp Resources Electric Cooperative
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Recent News and Information from Cap Rock EnergyWatch Out – Your Bill May Be Going Up Why you may ask… Summer is a peak energy usage period for electric utility consumers. Even though we’re experiencing beautiful weather right now, the hot Texas summer is right around the corner. Air conditioning is one of the main culprits in summer’s high electric bills. Usage is not the only factor escalating your energy bill. Increases in the cost of electricity are tied closely to the rising cost of natural gas. The reason for this is a significant portion of the electricity generated in Texas is fueled by natural gas. In the last two years, the price of natural gas has increased significantly. Just as drivers are paying more for gasoline, power producers are paying more for fuel to operate gas powered plants. Cap Rock purchases the power from power producers and passes these costs through to you. Any increases in price are reflected in your electric bill through the “PCRF” or power cost recovery factor. However, there are some things you can do to help take control of your summer utility bill: Your Cooling System: · Have your cooling unit serviced by a professional service representative. Ask your service representative how the energy efficiency of the system may be increased. · When selecting a central air conditioning unit, choose one with the proper capacity and highest efficiency. High Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rations (SEERs) – such as 13.0 SEER and above afford you greater efficiency. · When you are home, keep your thermostat at 78 degrees F., a reasonably comfortable and energy efficient indoor temperature. · If you are going to be away from your home for extended periods of time, raise the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees, and the same during the hours you are asleep. · Clean your air conditioner’s condenser/evaporator coils annually. Clean coils lower energy costs and extend unit life. · Clean or replace air conditioning filters every month. Dirty filters reduce efficiency. · Keep debris and high grass away from the condenser to avoid blocking airflow to the unit. Additionally, air conditioning units shaded by properly placed trees or shrubs work more efficiently and use up to 10% less electricity. Other Cooling Tips: · Plant shade trees on the east, west and south sides of your home · Don’t let sunshine rob you of energy dollars – keep windows and shades closed when the air conditioning is on. · Turn off lights when you don’t need them and replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, which use 75 to 80 percent less energy, produce less heat, and last longer. · Cook and use other heat generating appliances in the early morning. Use your microwave rather than the oven when cooking. Consider grilling outdoors. |
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