Keeping Energy Costs Down
At a time when the economy is still challenging, there is good news to share when it comes to lower gas and electric bills:
On June 1, PSE&G filed an application with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to lower winter natural gas bills this fall by an additional 5.2 percent a month for residential customers. If the request is approved by the BPU, it will result in the ninth decrease in a row in natural gas supply charges, for a total savings of 39 percent since January 2009, when wholesale prices started to drop. We have asked that the proposed gas reduction take effect October 1.
PSE&G customers continue to benefit from the lower cost of natural gas and we're pleased that we can pass along these savings.
Customers also will see a reduction in their electric bills this summer. A typical residential electric customer's monthly summer bill will be $138.67 or $3.90 less per month, a reduction of 2.8 percent. On an annual basis, the typical residential customer will save $49.52 for a 3.6 percent reduction.
We'd also like to share some tips and tools that can help you further reduce your summer energy bills:
- Install a programmable thermostat and raise the setting to the highest comfortable temperature. You can save 3 to 5 percent on your air conditioning costs for each degree you raise the thermostat.
- Even if you have air conditioning, use ceiling and other fans to provide additional cooling and better circulation.
- Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows. Eliminate air leaks around window air conditioners with foam insulation or weather-stripping.
- Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun to keep out the sun's heat and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently.
- Close doors leading to uncooled parts of your home. If you have central air conditioning, close off vents to unused rooms. Keep filters clean.
- Take advantage of PSE&G's Home Energy Toolkit which helps you analyze your home energy use to receive customized energy saving tips. To access the Home Energy Toolkit, log in to My Account at pseg.com .
To learn about more ways to manage energy costs, visit: www.pseg.com/saveenergy