High Temps Can Bring Rising Energy Bills
As the temperatures rise, so does the cost to keep your home cool.
It’s no surprise to Domingo and Maria Silos when their electric bills skyrocket in the summer.
“Maybe $400 a month. Electricity, that’s it,” said Silos.
But, it’s a cost they struggle to afford, they said.
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“It’s hard. To pay the rent and pay the bills and pay for some clothes, shoes for the kids, you know, it’s hard,” said Silos.
Electric bills spike in the summer. But power companies say there are ways to save.
“I’ve worked with the utility business for a number of years and that is a frequent topic of communication, ‘I’m doing this, this, this and this. What else can I do?'” said Rosa Maria Gonzalez, spokeswoman with the Imperial Irrigation District.
Gonzalez said the utility’s most popular plan is flat billing. It takes last year’s bills and average out how much you pay per month.
“People like it because it helps them with they’re budgeting year-round,” said Gonzalez.
Southern California Edison offers a summer discount plan. Customers get up to $200 off their bills if they let the utility them turn off their air conditioning compressor during peak times.
Jim Drake uses the discount and said it’s easier than installing solar panels.
“I’ve never been cut off, so I get so much money back the summer months,” said Drake.
But both companies said the best way to save is reduce your power. They said to turn off your air conditioning when you’re not home and unplug other items, such as coffee pots and toasters, when you’re not using them.
“Your hairdryer can be taking power even though your not using it. So, once you’ve stopped using these small appliances, it’s important you unplug them because your using power and you don’t even realize it,” said Kathy DeRosa, spokeswoman for Southern California Edison.
Southern California Edison and the Imperial Irrigation District both offer options for people who don’t have a lot of money, including special rates and payment plans.
