Cutting electric costs during the summer heat

With the rising temperatures blanketing Mid-Missouri this week, we’ll also be seeing rising electric bills, but there are small steps customers can take to trim costs.

“We don’t have to worry about brownouts or blackouts. We can generate the power, but the more generating plants that come on the more pressure it has on our rates,” Chris Rohlfing, with Boone Electric Cooperative, said.

Boone Electric administrators said turning up the thermostat just a bit can help cut costs. One degree higher can save around eight percent on an electric bill.

“Push that thermostat up as high as you can but still be comfortable and still be healthy for what you need to do,” Rohlfing said.

Residents can also raise the thermostat before going to work and dial it back down in the evening after work.

Professional also said a dirty air conditioning unit can add cost to the monthly electric bill.

“If the filter is choked up, or if it’s dirty, you’re not going to get air flow and the air conditioner is going to work much harder in trying to cool your house,” Rohlfing said.

Boone Electric administrators said they have enough energy to cool homes through the summer heat, but for those residents without air conditioning, health professionals said the scorching temperatures can be dangerous.

They said use a fan, drink plenty of fluids and try to get out of the house as much as possible.

“It’s always a great time to go see a movie, to go to a mall, to go out for lunch. Somewhere where it’s air conditioned, that you’re able to get some relief from the heat,” Dr. Chadd Kraus said.