Today In Mississippi

Current power bills reflect electricity
used during winter's cold-weather peak

Spring doesn’t officially begin until March 21, but winter is fast becoming a distant memory for those of us infected with spring fever.

When the sun finally popped out after a recent cold spell and the temperature soared into the 70s, we forgot all about the misery of winter. We turned our attention to pulling out the tackle box, dusting off the golf clubs and setting out the lawn chairs.

Then came the power bill in the mail, a sobering reminder of the frigid, windy and wet weather most of the state experienced in January and February.

Remember, the amount on your bill reflects the electricity you used beginning several weeks ago, when winter weather was at its harshest in our state. Your heating system was working around the clock to keep your home or business comfortable; that alone can account for large increases in energy use.

If your heating system is not in top shape—if the filter is dirty and clogged or if you have leaks in the ductwork—your system works even harder to warm your house.

Indoor heating can make your refrigerator and freezer work longer (and use more electricity) to maintain temperature settings. And in winter, people typically use their ovens and stovetops more often. (We all need hot comfort food to see us through winter’s gloom.)

Plus, we may take longer, hotter showers, and water heating is a major consumer of energy in the home.

Even the wind will affect your electricity use. Cold fronts are usually accompanied by strong winds capable of pushing cold air into your home through the tiniest of cracks. If your home is not properly weatherized with caulking and weatherstripping, cold air will seep inside under doors, through window frames and countless other locations.

Air infiltration sets up an endless cycle: cold air comes in, gets heated and then is quickly cooled by more cold air coming in. Your heating system works harder and consumes more energy to keep up. And that drives up your energy costs.

Another cause of increased energy use is an improperly insulated attic. Without adequate insulation, the air you pay to heat will simply rise up and out of your attic, drawing in cold air behind it. The same goes for the fireplace; make sure the damper is closed tightly when not in use.

If you live in a mobile home, you should check the ductwork under the home if your energy bill runs much higher than usual. It’s not unheard of for ductwork to come apart, allowing warm air to spill out before it can be pumped indoors. If your home was recently moved, make sure the duct work was connected properly.

There are many factors affecting your electricity use, but please don’t blame your electric meter for a higher than expected bill. Meters are precision instruments that, in the rare case of a malfunction, will actually give a reading that is too low. If you have questions, please call or visit your electric power association. We’re here and ready to help—at all times of the year.

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Electric Power Associations of Mississippi
P.O. Box 3300 Ridgeland, Mississippi 39158-3300 phone 601.605.8600 fax 601.605.8601