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Cold Temperatures … Higher Utility Bills
December 17, 2010

Because of the recent cold snap in December, some GUC customers can expect higher-than-normal bills in January. “As temperatures drop, usage goes up, and that may result in higher utility bills,” said George Reel, Director of Customer Relations. “Our customers’ bills on average have increased about 10% to 15% so far this December.”

There’s no question; it’s been cold lately. Temperatures in December have been about 25% colder than the same time last year and 20% lower than historical averages.

This year we have had seven nights in December below 25 degrees with four nights into the teens. This time last year we only had one night below 25 degrees.

Temperatures have averaged 13 degrees below normal, and for the remaining days of December temperatures are projected to average 8 degrees below normal.

To date, electric usage for December 2010 is 23,936,019 kWh, which is 41% higher than 16,932,272 kWh recorded for the same time period last year.  

Residential gas usage so far this December is 344,398 cubic feet, a 57% increase over last year (218,527 cubic feet). “Our records indicate that we will be setting a new record for natural gas,” said Reel. “Customers are projected to use more than 55% above the five-year average.”

We know bills will be higher, but it is impossible to predict how much of an increase customers will see because of various lifestyles and billing periods. 

“Bills vary because of the date your meter is read, different lifestyles, the age and capacity of the heating unit, condition of duct systems, size and thermal efficiency of the home, air leaks, thermostat settings, etc.” said Reel. “Even a two or three degree difference in the thermostat setting can have a dramatic impact on the amount of energy used.”  

 “The efficiency of a heat pump is reduced in severely cold weather, forcing the back-up heat supply to come on more,” he said. “This back-up heat could be three times more expensive than the heat pump alone.”

And, it’s not just heating that’s affected, but hot water as well. With low temperatures, the water coming into the hot water tank is colder. When the tank sits in the garage, carport or other unheated area, it takes longer to heat up the water and uses more electricity or natural gas. People also have a tendency to take longer, hotter showers in the winter than they do in the summer. 

"Outdoor temperatures drive home energy usage more than any other single factor," said Reel. “While none of us can control the weather, we do encourage customers to take steps to reduce energy usage and lower bills as much as possible during the winter months."  

GUC advises the following:

• A heating system on average uses 60% of a home’s energy. Keep furnace filters clean, and make sure your heating system is operating efficiently.
• If you have an electric heat pump, set the thermostat at 68 degrees or lower and “forget it.” For other forms of heat, set the thermostat at 68 degrees (or lower), but if you’re gone for several hours or more, set the thermostat at 55 degrees, or even cut it off (unless pipes are in danger of freezing).
• Make sure your home is well insulated.
• Weather strip and caulk windows and doors to seal small cracks.
• Insulate your water heater and set the temperature as reasonably low as possible.

Click here for additional tips and videos on lowering your energy bill.

In addition, GUC offers the following programs:

ENERGY SURVEYS: GUC offers free Energy Surveys for residential and light commercial structures. An Energy Specialist will make an on-site evaluation, checking for insulation, caulking, weather-stripping, heating system efficiency and other energy-related items. After careful analysis of your specific situation, the Specialist will suggest measures to reduce energy usage. Call 252-551-1525 for more information.

ONLINE ENERGY AUDIT: Greenville Utilities offers Energy Depot®, a set of online tools and resources to help you better understand and manage your energy use and costs. Energy Depot is your one-stop resource for energy information and it's available free. Click here to check it out.

EQUAL PAY: For customers who are interested in avoiding “spikes” in their utility bills, GUC offers Equal Pay. With this bill payment option, customers pay the same amount for 12 consecutive months. Payments are based on the average of the customer’s bills from the year before. Any necessary adjustments are made at the end of the year.

Click here to find out more about enrolling in Equal Pay. Or you can talk with a Customer Service Representative at GUC’s Main Office at 401 S. Greene Street or GUC Express at 509 S. E. Greenville Blvd. Customers may also call 252-752-7166 and speak with a Customer Service Representative.

BEAT-THE-PEAK: GUC residential electric customers can sign up for Beat-the-Peak and save up to $70/year on their utility bills. Beat-the-Peak is a system that cycles off air conditioners, water heaters, electric furnaces and heat pump heat strips for a short period of time during peak demand. Peaks occur when customers are using the greatest amount of electricity. To get started online, click here or call 252-551-1583.