Cold December Could Cause High Electric Bills

Brian Bennet of Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative says it was the coldest December in at least 3 years and it could affect your electric bill.

"We have very cold temperatures and if your heating is dependent on electric heat there is a direct relationship between how many degree days and their energy costs " says Brian Bennett, Manager of Member Services.

Bennett says it is a perfect storm between energy costs, cold weather and the holidays. Christmas lights can affect your bill.

"There is an impact. Everything it’s relative "explains Bennett.

He says ways to cut down your bill are to conserve energy, turn out lights or consider using different technologies like LED lights.

"They are much more durable and they last many more years " said Bennett.

Beyond using energy saver light bulbs there are other things you can do to cut down on your electric bill this winter like using a space heater. Space heaters can cut down on heat use all over the house.

"The first they can do, is you need to know the size of your room you are trying to heat and a space heater is supplemental heating. It will not take place of your furnace but it will help off set the cost of running your furnace " said Beth Wharton of Orme West Hardware.

Wharton’s electric bill was cut by over $100.00 after she started using a space heater. She says other energy savers are covering your windows and sealing places where heat may leak out.

"That’s your heat slipping out and the cold air slipping in" said Wharton.

To work effectively sealing products and space heaters must be used properly. A dangerous mistake with space heaters is using an extension cord.

"They drag a long one out it heats up that extension cord over loads, it over loads the circuit ,you’ve got extra heat it’s a real problem and that’s how house fires start " tells Wharton.