NCEMPA Wholesale Rate Increase

The NCEMPA wholesale rate increased by 4 percent on February 1. Many NCEMPA Participants increased their retail rates in response to the wholesale rate increase.

This increase means an increased electric bill of approximately $4 for theaverage household. Use the energy tips below to save electricity and remember,making small changes to the way your family uses electricity can mean savings onyour electric bill!

Refrain from using electric space heaters, as they can significantly increase your electric bill.
Weatherize your home by sealing duct work – the number one way to conserve energy. Make sure that all ductwork is sealed at joints and intersections with foil-backed tape, mastic or silicone caulk.
Seal off fireplaces, and never use a fireplace as a heat source for your home. Even as a supplemental heat source, the cold air introduced to a warm home through an open flue isn’t as efficient as sealing off a fireplace and using the primary source of heat.
If you have a fossil fuel furnace, lower the thermostat at night or when away from home for several hours. If you have a heat pump, set it at the lowest comfortable setting and leave it there.
Lower water heater to 120 degrees.
Change furnace filters every month.
Seal doors and windows with caulking or weather-stripping
Close draperies at night or if sitting close to a window.
Insulate the first three- to six-feet of cold and hot water pipes near the water heater.
Add an insulation blanket to your water heater.
Check your attic’s insulation. Add more, if needed

For more information on energy efficiency and to test your home’s energy efficiency, visit Energy Depot, our online energy audit tool.