Prepare Now for Winter Temps
Energy Management Program Manager
Winter is on its way, and with it comes the start of using your heating system. Typically, Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District (NWCPUD) customers should expect to see higher electric bills throughout the winter due to heating their living spaces.
NWCPUD encourages everyone to take control of their power bills by becoming more efficient with their energy use. You can see these impacts by reviewing your electric bills. Visit the customer portal and log in for information on individual historical use and charges.
Often, a substantially higher winter bill is caused not only by the added heating but increased use during the coldest, darkest time of the year. Many often think rates have increased when, in fact, rates stay the same and higher use causes the bill to increase.
NWCPUD encourages every customer owner to take advantage of the updated billing estimator on our website. This calculator can help you determine which commonly used items around your house have the greatest impact on your power bill. It not only creates awareness, but allows you to adjust your use accordingly.
Preparing a home for colder weather is the first line of defense against high energy consumption during the winter. Visit nwascopud.org for ways to reduce energy consumption and lower monthly bills, including participating in an energy-efficiency upgrade program. Our residential programs address many areas of your home that may benefit from installing energy-saving measures and devices, including insulation, windows, doors, heat pumps, appliances, smart thermostats and hybrid electric water heaters. All of these programs offer cash rebates in addition to reducing your home’s energy consumption for many years to come.
There are quite a few low- and no-cost ways to reduce home- and water-heating costs without buying anything at all. Setting your home’s thermostat to 68 F and turning the thermostat down when you’re at work or asleep can realize savings for 16 out of 24 hours. Lowering the temperature of your water heater to 120 F and running the dishwasher only when it has a full load also will help reduce your electric bill.
The more you know about and understand energy efficiency, the more you can save where it counts most: your pocketbook. Contact our Energy Management Department at (541) 296-2226, or email energy management for more information.
Travis Hardy
Energy Management Program Manager
