The hot summer months are here, meaning consumers will be running their air conditioners full time to cool their homes. Summer can also mean higher electric bills due to higher summer Georgia Power Company electric rates from June through September for both base electric rates and fuel cost rates. 

 

The Georgia Public Service Commission wants consumers to know that they can take several steps to mitigate the effects of the hot weather and keep their electric bills at a reasonable level.

 

The following tips can help to lower energy usage and electric bills:

 

• Keep curtains and shades closed during the summer, especially on the east and west sides of your home 

• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees 

• Avoid using appliances that give off heat during the hottest times of the day 

• Use ceiling fans to supplement air conditioners 

• If your cooling system appears to be running continuously but seems to be cooling inadequately, change your filter 

• Keep plants and brush at least three feet away from outside units so they operate more efficiently 

• Install programmable thermostats to automatically reduce energy usage when you are normally away from home 

 

More energy saving tips can be found at http://www.energy.gov/energysavingtips.htm.

 

Qualified senior citizens who are Georgia Power customers may be eligible for a monthly bill discount of up to $140 at their primary residence. This discount will be applied to the customer’s pre-fuel monthly bill amount. To qualify, the customer must be 65 years of age or older with total household income of $14,355 or less per year and the electric service account must be individually metered and in the customer’s name.

For energy assistance, low income consumers can contact their local Community Action Agency for information regarding receiving grants to be used for paying their energy bills or call 1-800-869-1150 or (404) 657-3426 inside metro Atlanta.