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By Christyn Allen
ERIE, Pa. (Erie News Now) – The heat is on, but keeping cool comes with a cost.
The Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) alerted consumers to a sharp increase in energy rates going into effect earlier this month, meaning energy prices for Penelec are up about 35%.
“We can’t control the weather, and you’ll be flirting with the 90s here in a couple days, for a couple days up in Erie, so it’s important to do what you can,” said Todd Meyers, First Energy Corp. spokesman.
“You want to get to a place where you’re comfortable, but for every degree you can actually stand it a little bit higher, you can save about 3% on your electric bill,” said Meyers.
Fans use much less electricity and can help to keep things cool, too. “Use either a ceiling fan, or if you don’t have a ceiling fan where you’re going to be situated, get a box fan. That fan uses less electricity and that moving air cools the air over your skin and makes you more comfortable,” said Meyers.
Perhaps, one of the best way to keep your electric bill low this week is to get outside and safely enjoy the hot weather. Just don’t forget to turn your thermostat up before you leave home.
“I think a lot of people may turn their air conditioner on too high, they might crank it up a little bit too much, or they might run out of the house to do errands and not think about switching the setting,” said Meyers.
The good news is Penelec says they’ve proactively taken a look at their equipment and don’t expect the upcoming heat to take their power grids down.
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