Winter Weather May Impact Your Energy Use — and Your Bill

As winter settles in, heating systems are working extra hard to keep indoor spaces comfortable. Idaho Power offers tools and tips to help customers stay on top of their cold-weather energy use and to help prevent surprises when winter bills arrive.

When temperatures drop, heating systems run more frequently. Other household appliances can draw more energy as well. A water heater located in a chilly garage, for example, may run more frequently. And with everyone spending more time indoors, lights and electronics tend to stay on longer too.

These tips can help customers reduce winter energy use and manage their energy bills over the next few months:

• Turn down the thermostat at night and when you're away or install a smart thermostat to automatically make the adjustments for you. Some electrically heated homes may even qualify for a $50 smart thermostat incentive. If you have a heat pump, avoid lowering your thermostat by more than 2-3 degrees; larger changes can trigger backup heat and increase energy costs.
• Use LED bulbs with dusk-to-dawn sensors for outside lighting. You'll never forget to turn the lights off again.
• Add insulation, if needed, and seal air leaks around windows and doors to keep heated air where it should be - inside!
• Dress for the weather, even inside. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, sweaters, and socks will warm your body and help prevent the need to bump up the thermostat.
• Sign up for Idaho Power's My Account to track your energy use, predict what your next bill may be, and monitor how weather impacts your usage.
• While you're in My Account, sign up for alerts to be notified if your monthly bill reaches a set amount, and consider enrolling in Budget Pay. Budget Pay evens out your payments, so they are the same each month - eliminating higher bills in the summer and winter months.

If you or someone you know needs help with their bill this winter season, Idaho Power can help. Learn more at idahopower.com/energyassistance.

Find more energy-savings tips at idahopower.com/save.

Alexis Freeman
Marketing Specialist
[email protected]
208-388-2291