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September bills reflect summer heat, A/C use
 September, 2008
High temperatures and humidity in July and August will have a significant affect on electric bills that members of York Electric Cooperative receive this month.
Electricity use increases when air conditioning equipment runs longer and works harder to offset higher outdoor temperatures. Refrigerators and freezers in unconditioned areas also contribute to higher power use.
Some parts of the state had triple-digit heat as early as Monday, July 21. York Electric Cooperative's service area recorded 10 days with temperatures above 95 degrees F between July 21 and Friday, August 8.
Co-op officials stress that the September bills do not reflect increased rates. "The bills members will receive in September, in most cases, will reflect increased energy consumption due to greater air-conditioning use," says Paul Basha, president and chief executive officer. "While we anticipate significant wholesale power cost increases in early 2009, the higher September bills usually can be traced to increased power use for cooling."
Brent Clinton, York Electric's key accounts representative, reminds members to avoid setting air-conditioning thermostats lower than 78 degrees when they're at home. "Cooling costs can be reduced by about five percent for every two degrees higher you set your unit," Clinton notes. "Set the air conditioning to 85 or higher when you're not at home for an extended time."
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As a not-for-profit, service-oriented cooperative, York Electric does its best to hold the line on costs and to help members get the best value for their energy dollar. The cooperative offers a variety of services and programs to help members manage their energy use.
"We offer advice on wise energy use in Living in South Carolina Magazine and other co-op publications as well as here on our Web site, www.yorkelectric.net," said Brent Clinton, co-op key accounts representative. "Visitors to our site can use the Free Online Energy Audit feature. They can also find tips on low- or no-cost ways to save energy. Members can also talk to a member service representative, who can answer questions about energy efficiency or the many programs we offer."
York Electric Cooperative also offers many services to reduce your monthly payments or make alternate payments, Clinton noted. "For instance, with the levelized billing option, you can guard against large fluctuations in your electric bill caused by changes in the weather," Clinton said. "Each monthly bill is the rolling average of your electric usage for the most recent 12 months. This billing option helps members budget ahead."
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