Tips and Resources for Managing Winter Utility Costs
This winter’s cold weather has led to increased energy use, and even colder temperatures are on the way next week. We understand the concern about higher bills and are here to provide tips and resources to help you manage your utility costs effectively.
Simple Tips to Lower Your Utility Costs
Electricity Tips
- Set your thermostat to 68°F or lower. Every degree above 68°F can increase your bill by 3–5%, so grab a sweater or blanket to stay cozy.
- Use a space heater to heat the area you’re in rather than heating your entire home. Be sure to turn off the heater when you leave the room.
- Open curtains during the day to let in sunlight and heat your home naturally. Close them at night to retain warmth.
- Seal drafts and insulate by using weatherstripping and caulking around doors and windows to stop cold air from coming in. Insulating attics, walls, and crawlspaces can also make a big difference.
- Ensure vents are not blocked by furniture or rugs so warm air can circulate freely.
- Up to 75% of electricity used by home electronics is consumed when they are turned "off." Any device that has a clock, a remote control, a little glowing light, or a charger draws power continuously unless unplugged. Simply unplug devices or turn off the power strip they’re plugged into when not in use.
- Use draft stoppers or rolled towels at the base of doors and windows to block cold air.
- Remove your window AC during the winter or seal over it on the inside with a cover to prevent cold air from sneaking in.
- Affordable plastic window film kits can add an extra layer of insulation to keep heat inside.
- Reverse the direction of ceiling fans (clockwise) to push warm air down into the room.
Water Tips
- Fix leaks, as even small drips can waste gallons of water and increase your bill.
- Insulate hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and lower water heating costs.
- Lower your water heater temperature to 120°F for safety and savings.
- Let faucets drip during freezing temperatures to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
- Close crawl space vents and add insulation to keep cold air out and protect pipes.
Resources to Help You Save
Energy Efficiency Starter Kits
Stop by our Customer Service office at 301 S. Center Street to pick up a free starter kit while supplies last. Kits include a digital thermometer, three LED light bulbs, a furnace filter whistle, and weatherstripping.
Free Home Energy Audits
Let our technicians identify ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Call 704-761-2371 or email Jason Lee with Statesville Public Power to schedule an appointment.
AMI Smart Meter Alerts
Monitor your meter activity and manage settings in one place by signing up online at AMI Smart Meter Portal. You can opt in for alerts for water and electric usage, including:
- Get notified when a meter uses more than a given amount in a billing cycle.
- Track daily usage and receive alerts if usage exceeds a specified amount.
- Monitor meter usage trends over a 7-day period.
These alerts can also help you identify a water leak early, which may prevent an unexpectedly high bill.
Payment Arrangements Policy
If your bill is past due but services are still active, you may qualify for a payment plan. Visit our payment portal to learn more.
External Assistance Programs
Additional resources to help with your utility costs can be found here on our website under the Utility Assistance Programs page.
Partner Programs
I-Care, Inc. offers energy efficiency upgrades like insulation, sealing air leaks, and more for eligible households. Call 704-872-8141 or visit the I-Care website for details.
We’re Here to Support You
We’re committed to helping you stay warm and manage your energy and water usage. If you have questions about your bill or need assistance, please contact our Customer Service Department at 704-878-3564.
