Energy company offers ways to keep cool and save energy

• Keep air conditioners set as warm as comfort allows. For every degree higher on the thermostat, the air conditioner will use 1-3% less electricity.  
• Don’t block air flow. Keep air vents and heat pump vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains, and rugs. 
• Operate major appliances during the cooler parts of the day. Energy is conserved by using appliances that create heat, like clothes dryers and dishwashers, early in the morning or late in the evening. There is also less demand on the electric system during these times. 
• Keep blinds closed to prevent unwanted direct sunlight from entering a home through windows. Using curtains, shades, and blinds can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
• Switch to ENERGY STAR® certified LED lights. The energy-efficient bulbs run cooler and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights.
• Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and at a higher speed in the summer to circulate the air more effectively, creating a cooling, wind chill effect. Remember to turn the fan off when leaving the room.

• The Matching Payment Program can lower the amount customers owe on energy bills. For every dollar they pay and every dollar they receive from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, we will subtract a dollar from the amount they owe. 
• The New Start Program can help pay off a past due balance for electric customers in as little as 12 months. With on-time monthly payments, some of what is owed will be subtracted each month.  (For example, if a budget payment amount is set at $150 per month and the past due balance is $1,200, for every month a customer makes the required $150 payment towards their bill, Eversource will reduce the past-due balance by $100.)
• An Electric Bill Discount is available to customers with a financial hardship status on their electric account. Based on their household income or receipt of a public assistance benefit, customers may be eligible for a 10% or 50% discount off their electric bill per month. For example, if they have a $100 monthly bill, it would be $10 less if they receive a 10% discount or $50 less if they receive the 50% discount. 
• Flexible Payment Plans are available to all customers, regardless of income, to pay their past-due balance over a period of time. Residential customers with active service may be eligible for payment plans up to 18 months.