As hot summer temperatures make their way to the Magnolia State, Entergy Mississippi is offering customers tips on how to save money on energy bills.
During the warmer months, cooling costs make up more than 55 percent of an average customer’s electricity bill. This means that taking steps to save energy can help lower your electric bills when temperatures are hot.
One can manage energy usage and save money by installing energy-efficient upgrades through the Entergy Solutions Marketplace. Examples of products and services available at little to no cost include LED bulbs, smart thermostats, AC tune-ups, duct sealing, and insulation.
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Customers also can save money with these energy efficiency tips:
- Change air filters. Air filters on some air conditioning units require monthly cleaning or replacing.
- Setting the thermostat to 78 degrees or the highest comfortable temperature. Every degree lower than 78 can raise a bill as much as 3%.
- Buy a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help manage costs, is controllable, and can help monitor usage.
- Use fans to cool off. Ceiling fans, box fans, and oscillating fans use very little electricity to circulate the air. Make sure ceiling fans are rotating in the right direction – counter-clockwise during summer – to push cooler air down into the room. Be sure to turn all fans off in unused rooms.
- Close blinds, shades, and curtains to keep the sun out and the cool air in. Also, close air conditioning vents in rooms that are not in use.
- Seal cracks and holes around doors, windows, and ductwork. Weather stripping and caulk will help keep the cold air in and the hot air out.
- Use the myAdvisor tool on myentergy.com. The usage and cost tool can compare usage history by month, day, and hour.
For customers struggling to pay their bills, Entergy offers payment options, such as level billing, auto-pay, and more, as well as tools and programs designed to help customers manage energy usage.
There also are third-party agencies that provide utility bill assistance for seniors and disabled individuals and programs that are income-based.
Through Entergy’s The Power to Care program, local nonprofit agencies provide emergency bill payment assistance to seniors and disabled individuals. You also may be eligible to receive federal payment assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
For any additional questions or information regarding customer bills, click here.
