Last month, we announced our transition to a new rate structure that takes effect beginning with your September reading cycle that will be reflected in your October bill. I want to share with you ways that your can control your energy use and reduce costs.

Our new rate structure is named the EmPOWERment rate because it gives you control of your bill. This new rate emphasizes shifting energy use to off-peak hours when costs are lowest. The peak hours are seasonal, so you'll want to be aware of the hours that affect your bill. In the warmer months the afternoons ar PEAK usage times - 3 to 6 p.m., April 1 - October 31. During the winter months, the PEAK times are in the morning - 6 to 9 a.m., November 1 - March 31.

Energy charges are impacted by the types of devices and appliances you use and when you use them. These devices fall into three categories.

Small Loads

While it will always be true that "every little bit helps," some appliances in your home warrant less attention than others. Televisions, ceiling fans and radios typically use less than 100 watts per hour. Washing machines are larger appliances, but their energy consumption is relatively low, about 500 watts per load, for most models. It's always a good idea to be mindful of how much you use these devices, particularly during peak hours. However, they do not deserve as much attention as other appliances in your home.

Larger loads that only run for a few minutes

Some appliances in your home place a large demand on the system, but only for a few minutes at a time. Toasters and microwaves, for example, are usually used for only a few minutes, but they are in the 1000 to 1200-watt range. Your hair dryer is around 1500 watts, but again, it takes only a few minutes to dry your hair. The EmPOWERment rate restructure has a PEAK charge of $13 per kilowatt based on your highest SINGLE hour of energy use in your billing cycle, so these appliances have a smaller impact but still should be used off-peak when possible.

Larger loads that run for a long time

Heavy loads and longer run times check both bosses. I already mentioned a washing machine but what about an electric clothes dryer? Both run for about an hour per load, but a dryer can use 10 times the energy. Similarly, popping a bag of popcorn requires around 1100 watts and runs for a few minutes. Baking a cake in the oven requires 3200 watts and likely runs a full hour.

Heating and air conditioning systems are the most significant drivers of electricity costs. Lowering the temperature a few degrees in the winter peak hours and raising it during summer peak hours will maximize savings. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to automatically adjust during peak hours.

With our new rate structure, running any of these devices during the 21 off-hours each day will yield significant savings. Sp, try to shift long running, larger loads to off-peak hours. Remember, our member services team is here to help our members transition to this new rate structure.

Call (800) 240-3400 if you have questions. For more information and tips, visit blueridge.coop/empowerment.