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PECO Adjusts Electric, Gas Rates For Customers

Your power and gas bill will be changing starting this month.

File photo.

Starting with the July PECO bill, you might notice some price changes.

Starting July 1, PECO, the primary electric and gas utility company in the region, has announced a minor increase in electric rates for residential customers.

The rate adjustment will see the typical monthly bill for a residential customer using 700 kilowatt-hours (kWh) rise slightly by $0.05, moving from $135.21 to $135.26, which represents a 0.04 percent increase.

The slight uptick in electric rates is attributed to changes in PECO’s Distribution System Improvement Charge, a fee allocated for upgrades to the company’s distribution network across its service area.

Residential gas prices will see a slight reduction.

Beginning July 1, the monthly bill for a residential customer consuming 80 Ccf (hundred cubic feet) of natural gas will decrease by $0.02, dropping from $98.02 to $98.00, or a decrease of 0.02 percent.

The reduction is also linked to adjustments in the Distribution System Improvement Charge.

Due to increased electric usage in the summer months, power bills typically increase for many customers.

The U.S. Department of Energy provided the below tips on how to save money on your energy bill in the spring and summer:

USE YOUR WINDOWS TO KEEP OUT HEAT

  • Install window coverings to prevent heat gain through your windows during the day.

OPERATE YOUR THERMOSTAT EFFICIENTLY

  • Set your thermostat at a temperature you find comfortable and that provides humidity control, if needed. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
  • Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting when you return home and need cooling. A programmable thermostat allows you to do this automatically and without sacrificing comfort.
  • Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you first turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.

USE FANS AND VENTILATION STRATEGIES TO COOL YOUR HOME

  • Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.
  • When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic).

KEEP YOUR COOLING SYSTEM RUNNING EFFICIENTLY

  • For maximum energy affordability, schedule regular maintenance for your cooling equipment.
  • Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your room air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
  • Vacuum your air intake vents regularly to remove any dust buildup. Ensure that furniture and other objects are not blocking the airflow through your registers.

CONSIDER A RANGE OF APPLIANCES AND LIGHTING OPTIONS

  • Consider lighting options that operate at cooler temperatures.
  • If convenient, take advantage of daylight instead of artificial lighting, but avoid direct sunlight.
    • Learn more about strategies for efficient daylighting.
  • Wash full loads of dishes and clothes for better efficiency.

KEEP HOT AIR FROM LEAKING INTO YOUR HOME

LOWER YOUR WATER HEATING COSTS

Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home.

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