With Southerners often having to put up with pretty warm springs and blazing hot summers, it’s nice to hear that one of the local utility companies, Cobb Electric Membership Corporation, has reduced its rates yet again to help ease what could turn out to be fairly high electric bills. “We are always looking for ways to improve our operational efficiency and to take measures to pass along savings to our members by lowering rates,” says Chip Nelson, President and CEO of Cobb EMC.
Cobb EMC’s Board of Directors approved the rate reduction during a monthly board meeting at the close of 2013. This most recent rate reduction went into effect Jan. 1 and was the third the group has passed in the last year. The other two were in January and July of 2013. Cobb EMC anticipates that almost every customer will see lower bills this year, specifically for standard residential and small commercial members, and the average annual savings will run around $75. The company serves about 175,000 residential and commercial members in Cobb, Bartow, Cherokee, Fulton and Paulding counties.
In addition to the rate reduction, Cobb EMC is also sharing tips on how to save even more on utility bills.
These free energy-saving tips can keep your home cool and comfortable during warm months:
- Your dishwasher, washer, dryer and oven generate heat and make your air conditioner work harder. Try to use them only during cooler evening hours.
- Keep your kitchen cool by using a microwave, rather than an oven, when possible.
- Line dry clothes outside and take advantage of warm weather.
- Bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans pull cool air out of your house. Turn them off 10 minutes after your shower is finished or cooking is done.
- Keep your thermostat at 78 degrees.
- Check air filters monthly and clean or replace them if they are dirty.
- Keep air vents clear of furniture and window coverings so you don’t block airflow.
- Close window treatments during the day to block the sun’s hot summer rays.
- Fans use considerably less energy than air conditioning.
- Lock your windows to create a tighter air seal and trap in cooled air.
Cobb EMC also offers free in-home energy audits to help its customers find ways to save. For more information, visit cobbemc.com/energymatters.
