With temperatures expected to reach 90 degrees starting this weekend, Georgia Power is encouraging customers to prepare for the summer heat and take proactive steps to keep their power bills low.
Tips, Tools & Resources
Georgia Power’s My Power Usage program allows customers to track their daily energy use, project their monthly bill, and set daily or monthly usage alerts.
Simple tips focused on savings as the summer heats up, include:
- Set it for the season: Set thermostats to 78 degrees and use fans to keep you feeling cooler. For every degree higher you maintain your thermostat, you can see up to a 3-4% decrease in energy use.
- Feel the flow; free your filters: Clean or change your air filters monthly. Dirty filters can block airflow, making your system work harder to keep you comfortable. Clear spaces around your air returns and vents to prevent airflow blockage.
- Phase out phantom energy loss: Unplug your electronic devices when not in use and use smart power strips. Consider energy-saving settings, which are often available on newer equipment and appliances.
- Manage your spin cycle: When washing clothes, try to wash and dry full loads only, and in cold water.
- Cool down the kitchen: Use your oven sparingly. Consider cooking options such as the microwave, slow cookers and outdoor grills.
- Fill your fridge: Solids and liquids are easier to cool than air. Try to keep your refrigerator set to the temperature recommended by the manufacturer for optimal performance.
- Keep the heat out: Close your curtains and blinds during peak hours of the day to keep the sun’s heat out.
Additionally, the company offers energy assistance programs to those in need of help paying or reducing their monthly energy bill.
Energy Assistance Programs
Georgia Power partners with nonprofit, community and faith-based organizations to offer assistance programs to those in need. These programs include:
- The Salvation Army’s Project SHARE – Established in partnership with The Salvation Army, Georgia Power customers can provide assistance to residents in the same community for expenses, such as utility bills, housing, food and medical necessities.
- Georgia Power’s Senior Citizen Discount – Georgia Power customers 65 years of age or older who meet the income requirements for eligibility can receive up to $24 a month off their bill.
- Home Energy Efficiency Assistance Program – The Home Energy Efficiency Assistance Program helps eligible income-qualified customers make free energy efficiency improvements to their single-family home. At no cost to the customer, a program contractor performs the recommended energy efficiency upgrades. Customers can learn more and apply at www.GeorgiaPower.com/HEEAP.
- HopeWorks – HopeWorks and Georgia Power are offering senior residential customers valuable information on ways to save money on their energy bill while keeping their home comfortable and efficient.
