Although this week may provide a respite from 100-degree weather, summer temperatures remain high, which may lead to more electricity use that will impact your electric bill.

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) provides a chart on its website that shows the average daily temperature that customers may use when comparing their energy use and their monthly bill.  What the chart doesn’t show is the maximum temperature for each day.  And the maximum temperature can have a significant effect on customers’ electric bills. 

SMECO uses the data recorded at Andrews Air Force Base and the Patuxent River Naval Air Station to average the temperatures across its service area.  According to SMECO, from June 13 until July 22, temperatures were over 80 degrees Fahrenheit for 38 out of 40 days, and over 90 degrees for 16 of those days.  Customers who use room air conditioners, central air conditioners, or heat pumps will see the effect of the heat on their electric bill.  While temperatures have been high and customers may see an increase in bills, SMECO’s Standard Offer Service rates are less than they were last year.  An average residential bill for July 2010 is about $27 less than a year ago. 

The increased demand for electricity to run air conditioning equipment in the mid-Atlantic area affects the regional power grid.  SMECO has operated its CoolSentry program to help reduce demand for energy on the hottest days of the summer.  Reducing demand helps to save energy, save money, and reduce the strain on the electric system.  Customers who participate in the program receive a programmable thermostat to help save on heating and cooling and up to $50 in annual thank you credits on their bills. 

SMECO also has EmPOWER Maryland programs that provide rebates to customers who install high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.  The Maryland Energy Administration is making additional rebates of $500 available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act beginning July 30.  For rebate information, customers should check SMECO’s website at www.smeco.coop for details or contact a SMECO participating HVAC contractor. 

Customers who want to save energy to save money can use the following suggestions:

  • Close shades and curtains to keep the sun out.
  • Have your cooling system professionally serviced at least once a year.
  • Insulate your attic to at least R-30.
  • Dry your clothes outdoors. You’ll save energy by not using the dryer and you won’t heat up your house.
  • Install a timer to operate your pool pump.
  • Recycle refrigerators or freezers that you don’t use.  SMECO provides $50 rebates to customers who recycle old, working refrigerators and freezers.