Energy company offers ways to keep cool without breaking the bank

• 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 significantly.
• 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 – fans cool people NOT rooms.
• Grill outside and keep the chill inside. Cooking outside keeps heat created by stove/oven outside of the home.

• 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. 
• 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 up to a 50% discount off their electric bill per month. For example, if they have a $100 monthly bill, it would be $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.