As summer temperatures continue to climb across Georgia, Georgia Power is encouraging customers to take simple steps to reduce energy use and keep monthly electric bills under control.
The company is reminding customers that small changes around the home can make a noticeable difference during the hottest months of the year. Recommended energy-saving measures include changing air filters regularly, keeping air vents clear, turning off lights when they are not in use, and closing curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day to help keep homes cooler.
Georgia Power also recommends sealing gaps around windows and doors with caulk or weather-stripping to prevent cool air from escaping. Customers can also save energy by washing full loads of laundry in cold water, cleaning the dryer lint trap before each use, replacing traditional light bulbs with ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulbs, and running large appliances before 2 p.m. or after 7 p.m. to reduce heat inside the home.
In addition to energy-saving tips, the company offers digital tools that allow customers to monitor their electricity usage. The My Power Usage feature lets most customers track energy consumption by the hour, day or month, while Threshold Alerts notify customers when their electricity use approaches a self-selected limit to help avoid unexpected bills.
Eligible households may also qualify for Georgia Power’s EASE Program, which provides free home energy improvements such as LED light bulbs, heating and cooling system maintenance, attic insulation and other efficiency upgrades. The program is available to households earning 200 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines.
Georgia Power also reminds customers who may be struggling to pay their electric bill that assistance programs are available. Through partnerships with organizations such as The Salvation Army’s Project Share program, along with other income-qualified assistance options, customers can access resources for utility payments and other essential needs.
The company says it continues to focus on providing affordable electricity while expanding service to meet Georgia’s growing population and business community. Georgia Power recently announced a proposed agreement that, if approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission, would reduce the average residential customer’s monthly bill by about $4 beginning this summer. The company also says continued growth from new industries and large energy users is expected to help provide additional savings for residential customers in the coming years.