Close to Home: Taking control of winter energy bills

The onset of winter brings colder temperatures and increasing demand for heating, lighting and electricity, driving energy bills higher. This year, Sonoma Clean Power fought back and won some small victories in limiting PG&E’s rate increases, but the truth is those victories aren’t enough to keep your bill from going up. That’s why I want to share ways you can take back some control of your winter energy bills.

Most electric customers are on time-of-use rates, meaning the cost of running appliances is highest between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. With the success of solar power in California, we are seeing higher costs to generate electricity in the evenings after the sun sets. Time-of-use rates pass on those higher costs when you run your dishwasher in the evening, and while that can drive up your energy bills, it also gives you a powerful way to control costs.

For 19 hours a day, electricity rates are fairly manageable. That means adjusting when you do laundry and baking in your electric oven can save you money; avoid those energy-intensive activities between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Even if you’re at home most evenings, you likely will benefit from being on a time-of-use rate; that’s because the other 19 hours of the day are cheaper, so it doesn’t take much adjusting of your habits to make it pay off. Cutting your electric bill on the other rates can be harder because those rates require that you use less electricity overall and give you back very little value for shifting when you use electricity.

In addition to switching to a time-of-use rate, there are many simple projects that can help you save money on winter energy bills. Top of mind this holiday season, consider switching to LED holiday lights to make your home festive and energy-efficient, and use timers to control their operation.

The most important way to manage your heating costs is to eliminate drafts and insulate your windows. Curtains and insulating blinds help a lot, and if you need a solution while you’re saving up the money, hang a blanket over key windows at night. For bigger leaks around windows, ask a handy friend to help you use caulking. For drafty doors, ask for two things at the hardware store: weatherstripping and a “door snake.”

Taking control of your heating costs is crucial. Did you know you will always save money by turning your thermostat way down or off when you’re not home? It’s a myth that it costs more to heat your home back up later.

Opting for an electric blanket instead of cranking up the thermostat on chilly days can also save money on heating. A single plug-in space heater can cost over $100 per month if you run it most of the time, so use them sparingly if you need to.

Simple yet effective habits like turning off lights and unplugging unused appliances contribute to overall energy savings. For more comprehensive information and additional tips, visit our website and explore our DIY Energy and Water Savings Toolkit.

If you need assistance navigating the complexities of electric rates, or would like to talk to someone about some of these energy-saving tips, consider visiting Sonoma Clean Power’s Energy Center in downtown Santa Rosa. Our team is ready to help you start to take control of your energy bill.

By adopting these cost-effective solutions and being mindful of when you’re using energy, you can keep your winter bill closer to where it should be.

Geof Syphers is CEO of Sonoma Clean Power.

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