Your Guide to Lower Energy Bills: Winter Savings Edition
Managing Winter Energy Costs
Colder seasons often bring increased heating needs, resulting in higher electricity bills for many households. Grant PUD is dedicated to helping customers understand why these costs can spike and identifying practical ways to reduce energy usage. This guide provides insights into evaluating your bill, addressing common causes of high consumption, and applying weatherization techniques to manage expenses effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Assessing Winter Bills: Learn why colder weather elevates electricity usage and how to track your bill for anomalies.
- Understanding Rates: Compare Grant PUD’s rate of 5.90¢ per kWh with the national average of 16.21¢ and Washington State’s average of 11.34¢
- Common Causes of High Usage: Identify water heater element failure, heating system inefficiencies, and other key factors that lead to higher bills.
- DIY Weatherization: Discover straightforward strategies like insulating water heaters and sealing doors.
- Practical Energy-Saving Tips: Adopt no-cost and low-cost measures to reduce monthly expenditures on electricity.
“Preparedness and proper maintenance are critical for managing energy expenses during the winter season.” – Mark Sullivan, Energy Specialist
Introduction
Higher energy bills in winter are often an inevitable reality. Various factors — from the need for extended heating to limited daylight hours — contribute to increased power consumption. Grant PUD strives to help customers understand these fluctuations and provide valuable resources to keep costs manageable. This guide offers a comprehensive look at the most effective ways to stay warm without overburdening your budget.
Evaluating Your Electric Bill
Why Colder Weather Affects Costs
Winter months demand increased heating to counter lower outdoor temperatures. Heating systems consume more electricity, and shorter days lead to longer lighting needs, compounding your overall energy usage.
Rate Increases
Multiple factors can influence electricity rates, which can impact your bill. Nonetheless, Grant PUD still offers competitive rates as seen below. 
Bill Comparisons
It’s common to compare bills with neighbors, but this can be misleading. Homes differ in square footage, occupant numbers, heating types, insulation, and more. A better approach is to compare your energy usage to the same month in prior years at your current address. You can do so by contacting Energy Services at 509/766-2512.
Understanding Winter Energy Demands
Even if your daily habits remain consistent, factors like weather fluctuations, changes in insulation quality, and slight variations in temperature settings can alter your consumption. Always consider the overall climate during your billing cycle before assuming a malfunction with your meter or home wiring. Rarely do we see high bills that are caused by electrical problems in the home or faulty/misread meters. Our electrical meters are very accurate and are tested for that accuracy before installation, in the event of a meter failure, the meter would slow down or stop altogether, registering less power consumption not more.
Common Reasons for High Usage
- Water Heater Element Failure
A malfunctioning lower heating element in an electric water heater can continue drawing power without adequately heating water, potentially adding 500–1,000 kWh to your monthly usage.
- Furnace Ductwork Issues
Ducts that loosen, become dislodged, or develop holes force heating systems to run longer, unnecessarily raising energy consumption.
- Changes in Residence
If you have recently moved, your new home or apartment may not be as energy efficient as your previous location, you may also need more/less energy as the previous occupant of that space.
- Seasonal Equipment
Items like pool heaters, hot tubs, engine block heaters, and livestock heaters often go unnoticed but significantly increase total power usage.
- Lighting Upgrades
Longer evenings may prompt extended use of lights. Consider installing LEDs if you are adding/replacing lights as they are more energy efficient, or unplugging lights that you arent actively using.
- Heaters and Thermostat Adjustments
Electric furnaces, baseboards, and space heaters are high-consumption devices. Lowering the thermostat by 1°F can reduce heating costs by up to 3 percent!.
DIY Weatherization Tips
Simple, cost-effective measures can help conserve warmth and minimize waste:
- Wrap Your Water Heater
Insulating blankets retain heat within the tank, reducing energy loss.
- Install a Door Sweep
A tight seal beneath exterior doors keeps out drafts, conserving indoor heat.
- Take Cover
Interior window film is a quick, affordable solution for blocking chilly airflow.
- Seal Switches and Outlets
Gaskets under switch plates or outlet covers on exterior walls help prevent cold air infiltration.
Ten Tips for Saving Energy
No-Cost Measures
- Laundry in Cold
Using cold water lowers heating costs.
- Thermostat at 68°F
For each 1°F reduction, You can reduce heating costs by up to 3 percent!
- Leverage Sunlight
Open curtains to capture daytime warmth; close them at night to retain heat.
- Lower Water Heater Temperature
Reducing from 140°F to 120°F can yield a 4–22% annual energy savings.
- Close Fireplace Dampers
Prevent warm air from escaping through the chimney when the fireplace is inactive.
- Adjust Ceiling Fans
Reverse fans to a clockwise setting in winter to push warm air downward.
Low-Cost Measures
- Upgrade Lighting
ENERGY STAR® LEDs use less electricity and have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs.
- Use Smart Power Strips
Many electronics draw energy in standby mode. A power strip cuts idle consumption.
- Maintain Furnace Filters
Clogged filters force your system to work harder, increasing costs. Clean or replace filters regularly.
- Install High-Pressure/Low-Flow Showerheads
Using less hot water trims both water and energy expenses.
Conclusion
Managing winter energy costs involves a thorough understanding of how colder weather amplifies power usage, coupled with practical solutions to keep bills in check. Grant PUD is committed to offering guidance, accurate billing, and some of the lowest electrical rates in the nation. By making small adjustments — such as weatherizing your home and adopting smart habits — you can enjoy a comfortable environment while controlling expenses.
FAQ
1. Why are winter electric bills typically higher?
They increase primarily due to more energy needed for heating and additional lighting in the darker winter months.
2. Could a faulty meter be causing my high bill?
It’s unlikely. Rarely do we see high bills that are caused by electrical problems in the home or faulty/misread meters. Our electrical meters are very accurate and are tested for that accuracy before installation, in the event of a meter failure, the meter would slow down or stop altogether, registering less power consumption not more.
3. How does Grant PUD’s rate compare to others?
4. Should I compare my bill to my neighbor’s for accuracy?
No. Homes differ in size, insulation, number of occupants, and heating systems. Compare your usage with your own past bills instead by contacting Energy Services at 509/766-2512
5. What can I do if my bill is consistently high?
Contact Grant PUD’s Energy Services team at 509-766-2512 or visit GrantPUD.org/WAYS-TO-SAVE for assistance in evaluating your energy usage, identifying potential issues, and recommending ways to save.
By taking a proactive approach to heating, insulation, and daily energy usage, you can maintain a comfortable home throughout winter without facing unexpected expenses.
No. Homes differ in size, insulation, number of occupants, and heating systems. Compare your usage with your own past bills instead by contacting Energy Services at 509/766-2512
5. What can I do if my bill is consistently high?
Contact Grant PUD’s Energy Services team at 509/766-2512 or visit GrantPUD.org/WAYS-TO-SAVE for assistance in evaluating your energy usage, identifying potential issues, and recommending ways to save.
By taking a proactive approach to heating, insulation, and daily energy usage, you can maintain a comfortable home throughout winter without facing unexpected expenses.
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