Energy savings tips to manage your winter power bill

SALT LAKE CITY  — It’s a law of physics. The colder it gets outside the more energy it takes to keep your house warm. No one can change that basic equation, but with forecasters predicting a cold winter blowing our way, there are steps you can take to keep energy bills from giving you the chills.

“Because energy use is very sensitive to winter and summer temperatures, customers are concerned about the potential for increased bills whenever extreme weather hits,” said Sharon Fain, Rocky Mountain Power vice president for Wyoming. “We offer a number of ways to manage bills during those times of the year as well as financial incentives for customers making energy efficiency improvements that lower their electric usage, such as adding insulation.”

“Another option for customers is to take part in our equal pay program. Under equal pay, energy costs are averaged over the year, so bills are more predictable and manageable.  This program helps customers better manage high cooling costs in the summer as well as winter heating costs.”

Here are low-cost some tips you can use today to battle cold weather:

• Set your thermostat as low as comfortable, aim for 68 degrees. When you are asleep or out of the house, lower the temperature by another 10 degrees and this will reduce your energy usage by about 10 percent.
• Avoid the temptation to bump up the thermostat when it gets colder. That won’t get you to your desired temperature faster, you will just make your furnace run longer and use more energy.
• Improve your home’s heating and cooling systems by cleaning or replacing furnace filters and scheduling routine system maintenance to help air flow through the system more efficiently. Move furniture that is blocking intakes or heat registers.
• Use space heaters sparingly and safely. Running a 1,500-watt portable heater 8 hours a day for 30 days can add an extra $30 to a monthly power bill in winter.
• You can save even more energy by taking a longer-range view of your energy use. The Wattsmart Homes program offers energy efficiency solutions and rebate incentives to upgrade your home and save energy and money.  

For questions on incentives or the Equal Pay program call customer service 1-888-221-7070 or download the Rocky Mountain Power app and make the switch via your mobile device.