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 Energy use is largely weather-driven
Nov 1, 2009
As the end of 2009 quickly approaches, we wonder what the New Year might have in store. One reason for optimism—Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative members will not have a rate increase next year. Fortunately, the cooperative has also seen no rate changes during 2009.
No one enjoys receiving a high power bill. Blue Ridge certainly takes no pleasure in seeing high bills go out to our members. Typically, however, a residential household’s kilowatt-hour use is largely weather-driven.
For instance, the Blue Ridge service area experienced quite a bit of hot weather last summer. The daytime heat caused air conditioning units to work hard to keep homes cool and comfortable, consuming quite a bit of energy in the process.
Work harder, operate longer
Wintertime has a similar impact. Freezing temperatures make heating systems work harder and operate longer. Water flowing into water heaters is colder and, therefore, requires added energy to warm it up and then maintain that warmth. Along with the cold weather, the extra hours of darkness tend to keep families inside more, which presents additional opportunities to use electricity.
Ultimately, heating and cooling represent about 50 percent of a home’s energy use. As we’ll soon be in the midst of winter’s chilly temperatures and stinging winds, it’s appropriate to prepare as best we can.
Although none of us can do anything about the weather, members are encouraged to take advantage of some helpful programs Blue Ridge has to offer. These include Levelized Billing, the Total Electric/Conservation rate schedule, and low-interest loans for high-efficiency heat pumps. Please contact the Blue Ridge customer service department to learn more about these and other programs.
In addition to the insulation and weatherization investments that are outlined in our Total Electric/Conservation rate, there are other energy-saving steps one can take that would require little or no cost. These would include turning down the water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees, washing full loads of laundry each time, and taking showers instead of baths. Other ideas, such as sealing cracks and gaps against outside air leaks and changing or cleaning filters for heat pumps or air conditioners on a monthly cycle, can also produce welcome savings.
The Temptations
Help is also available through some of the agencies that receive funding from our charity fund-raiser, Blue Ridge Fest. Several of these organizations extend assistance to families that are having difficulty paying their utility bills.
Speaking of Blue Ridge Fest, I’m pleased to announce that we’ve lined up the headline entertainment for our 2010 event. The world-famous Motown group, The Temptations, will perform live here on the fest stage the evening of May 14th. There’ll be much more in the way of Blue Ridge Fest information included within these pages in the coming months. In the meantime, please put that May 14 date on your calendar.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Dalton
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