* Electricity and Energy Conservation Opportunities * Scott Wishart * Energy Analyst * BPI Analyst & Envelope Professional * Energy Insight, Inc. * (218) 355-2218 (office) * sw@energyinsightinc.com
* HOW IS ELECTRICITY BILLED? * First 500 kwh per month @ $0.0779/kWh (kilowatt hours) * Over 500 kwh per month @ $0.1012/kWh * Energy savings would come off the top of your bill, so you save on the more expensive kwhs * Meter Charge: $6.65/month * Budget billing is also offered through GRPU for electric heat * Billed at the 12 month average usage and every May accounts are re- balanced
* PAYMENT OPTIONS * In person at the GRPUC office by cash, check or money order * Automatic Bank withdrawal - for application visit website * At the drive- thru drop box located outside the GRPUC office * At payment drop boxes in local grocery stores * By mail- allow 5 days for mail delivery and payment processing: Grand Rapids Public Utilities PO Box 658 Grand Rapids, MN 55744 * To pay by credit card or electronic check, call 1-800- 272-9829, choose option 3, or visit the Official Payments website to pay on- line at www.officialpayments.com, use jurisdiction code 3334. You will need to enter the first 6 digits of your customer account number.
* AVOID DISCONNECTS * If disconnected for a non- payment, the amount on Final Notice must be paid in full along with a reconnection charge by GRPU. * $20 + payment between 8:00am to 5:00PM, M- F, * $80 + payment between 5:00PM to 8:00AM on Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. * In the event the condition is hazardous to the customer, or other community members, there will be no charge for reconnection.
* Cold Weather Rule * The Cold Weather Rule applies from October 15 to April 15. * It says that utility service affecting your home s primary source of heat must not be disconnected and must be reconnected during this period if you meet all of the following requirements: * Your total household income is less than 50 percent of the state median household income, and * You and your utility enter into a payment agreement that considers the financial resources of your household and you continue to make reasonably timely payments under that agreement. * If you are concerned about being able to pay your utility bill, please contact (218-326- 7024 Office). We can provide you with referrals to local energy assistance providers. * For more information, visit: http://www.mmua.org/news/publications/cold- weather- rule- guide/cold- weather- rule.
* TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL ENERGY USAGE Top loaded washing machine Atmospheric drafting furnace and water heater Incandescent light bulb
Energy Conservation Measures
* LOW COST, NO COST * Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. * Unplug devices when not in use or place them on power strips and shut them off. * Adjust thermostat set points when away from house and at night. * Lower water heater temperature setting. * Regular maintenance on mechanical equipment and appliances. (furnace filter, dryer lint traps, refrigerator coils, etc.)
* LIGHTING (10-15% of electric bill) * Turn off lights when they are not needed or you leave the room. * Task lighting with smaller wattage light fixtures * Open blinds and use daylight instead * Install LED and/or CFL lighting in areas that are used the most * LED lights usually have 10 time longer life than incandescent * LED lights usually cost more than 75% less than incandescent to operate * Utility rebates are up to $7.50 per LED lamp Assumes 3 hrs/ day 11 watt LED 60 watt Inc 11 watt LED 60 watt Inc
* APPLIANCES Appliances account for roughly 15% of residential electric use. * When purchasing new appliances, look for Energy Star rated. * Many of the household products gain ES labeled because they meet energy efficiency requirements and provide high quality performance while consuming less energy. * Appliances include: refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, washing & drying machines, dehumidifiers, TVs, light bulbs and many other types of products used throughout the house.
* COOLING CONCEPTS * Whenever it is warmer outside than it is inside, close all windows and blinds to minimize heat transfer. * Schedule the use of appliances in the evening when it is cooler. * Turn unnecessary appliances and lighting off. * Ventilate the space using fans. (fans cool people, not the space) * A moving fan in unoccupied space is only consuming electricity.
* Rebates * MN Energy * MN Power * Lake Country Power * Grand Rapids Public Utilities