Energy-saving tips
says a central Ohio customer using 2,000 kilowatt-hours per month in November will have an estimated total bill of $276.34, an increase of 11 percent from the prior year (2,000 kwh is close to the typical electricity use for a house with electric heat).
AEP’s rates are rising because of changes in fuel costs and several additional charges that have been allowed by state regulators as the utility gradually switches to prices that are more closely tied to market forces.
Last winter’s weather put strains on systems that deliver natural gas and propane. Since some electricity-producing power plants are fueled by gas, the problems extended to the electricity supply.
Propane retailers had some of the most extreme shortages, leading to delayed deliveries and anxious customers, some of Dan DiClarico, senior editor for Consumer Reports’ home and appliance division, has these suggestions:
Get an energy audit. Major utilities have programs that provide low-cost or free inspections of your home by energy professionals.
Install a programmable thermostat. New thermostats are easy to use, and several allow you to control them from a smartphone.
Seal air leaks in your ducts. Many houses have substantial energy loss in their ducts. Although this is likely not a do-ityourself project, the cost to hire a professional is fairly low.
Add insulation. Most houses do not have adequate attic insulation. There are also opportunities to insulate walls and other spaces. came close to running out of fuel. State agencies pitched in to get emergency refills for some consumers.
There will be no repeat of those problems, said Dave Wedderbum, vice president and general manager of Collett Propane in Xenia.
“We’re much more prepared as an industry than we were last year,” he said.
He is encouraging his customers to get their tanks filled before winter. Last year, some people went into the coldest months without full tanks, which led to some of the emergency situations, he said.
Right now, fixed-rate propane contracts can be had for about $1.80 to $2.30 per gallon, according to retailers. At last winter’s peak, the fuel was selling for more than $4 in many places.
Customers also can get fixed-rate contracts for natural gas and electricity.
Last year, customers who locked in their prices in the summer had a pretty good chance of saving money in the winter, depending on the contract terms. But that is much less likely to happen this year, said Bruce Hayes, utility analyst for the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel.
“I don’t think you can assume anything other than normal” weather and prices, he said.
Unless there is another run of extreme cold, he thinks that most fixed-rate gas contracts will end up costing customers more than they would pay at the variable rates that serve as the regulated prices from Columbia Gas.
If that is too complicated, Lafakis has a much simpler explanation for what will drive your heating bills.
“It all depends on weather,” he said.