As Atlantic City Electric prepares for the winter season, the company encourages customers to be ready for the winter season, too.
Save Energy and Money
Increased energy use during the colder winter months can also lead to higher bills. Customers are encouraged to understand their energy use, take steps to be more efficient, and take advantage of assistance programs.
• Keep it sealed. A poorly sealed house is costlier to keep warm. Caulk around doors, windows, and utility openings. Lock windows for a tighter seal and close fireplace dampers when not in use.
• Upgrade your insulation. Proper insulation improves comfort and can cut heating costs by 10 percent. Seal leaks around floors, walls, ceilings, ducts, doors, windows, vents, and plumbing.
• Check ducts for air leaks. Check for disconnected joints or leaks—these can significantly raise energy bills.
• Manage your thermostat. Keep thermostats set at a comfortable level. You can save about two percent on your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat. When you are asleep or out of the house, try turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours to save approximately 10 percent on your heating bill. Consider investing in a smart thermostat that can connect to your mobile devices, helping you stay on top of your energy usage.
• Be prepared for cooler weather. Remove screens and air conditioners from windows and install storm windows.
• Do not heat unused areas. Shut doors and vents in rooms you don’t use.
• Take advantage of the sun's heat. Open curtains during the day to let the sun warm your home; close them at night to keep warmth in.
• Shorter days and longer lights. Adjust outdoor lighting timers as the nights grow longer. Replace older incandescent bulbs with new energy efficient LED bulbs.
Storm Safety Reminders
• Assemble an emergency storm kit with a battery-powered radio, flashlight, a first-aid kit, blankets, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, medications, multi-purpose tool and list of important/emergency phone numbers.
• Keep bottled water and non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food for at least 72 hours.
• Place flashlights on every floor. Make sure they have fresh batteries.
• Identify an alternate location for you and/or your family in case of an extended outage.
• Use generators safely. Follow manufacturer instructions. Never connect a generator directly to home wiring or use it indoors or in enclosed spaces.
• For customers who rely on electricity to power life-support equipment, enroll in the Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program at atlanticcityelectric.com/EMENP. for advance alerts on outages and severe weather.
• Sign up for outage alerts at atlanticcityelectric.com/alerts or text “ADD OUTAGE” to 20661 to enroll in the company’s two-way texting program.
Bill Relief and Assistance Program
Customers can also take advantage of available energy assistance programs, including Atlantic City Electric’s Customer Relief Fund that offers up to $300 in direct assistance for eligible customers to help manage higher energy supply costs. To apply or learn more, customers should visit atlanticcityelectric.com/Relief.
The company’s Assistance Finder tool can help customers discover the best programs that fit their needs, including financial assistance, bill management, and energy efficiency and savings information. A full list of programs is available at atlanticcityelectric.com/EnergyAssistance.
To learn more at AtlanticCityElectric.com
