Press Release

Beat the Heat: PUC Shares #WaysToStayCool and #WaysToSave During Early Summer Temperature Spike

Published on 6/17/2024

Filed under: Electric

Discover Smart Tips to Stay Cool, Save Energy, and Lower Your Bills

HARRISBURG – As millions of Pennsylvanians experience a surge in hot weather, and the official start of summer arrives later this week, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging consumers to explore simple #WaysToStayCool and #WaysToSave – helping to conserve energy and keep summer power bills manageable.

#WaysToStayCool

 Tip: Circulating air with a fan can help you feel up to 4 degrees cooler, without needing to lower your thermostat.

There are several simple things most consumers can do, at little or no added cost, to increase summer comfort while managing power usage and energy costs:

• Fan Yourself – Fans circulate the air, keeping you feeling cooler even at higher temps.
• Follow the Shade – Spend time in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight.
• Block the Heat – Use window blinds and coverings at the sunniest time of day to reduce heat buildup.
• Don’t Add Extra Heat – Postpone using heat-producing appliances like clothes dryers, dishwashers, and stoves until it is cooler.
• Cookout, Anyone? – Consider using outdoor barbecue grills or microwaves instead of stoves or ovens, which can increase indoor heat.
  
  

#WaysToSave

Tip: Every degree you raise your air conditioning thermostat above 72 degrees can save up to 3% on cooling expenses.

In addition to staying cool, the PUC highlights several #WaysToSave energy and money:

• Check your Thermostat – The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill.
• Clean is “Green” – Regularly clean and replace air conditioner filters and ensure air circulation paths are clear.
• Power Off – Turn off non-essential appliances and lights to reduce power use and unwanted heat.
• Don’t Cool Unneeded Space – Close off unused rooms and adjust air vents or thermostats to avoid unnecessary cooling expenses.
• Keep the Heat Outside – Seal cracks to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.
  
  

Tip: For more energy-saving tips, visit PAPowerSwitch.com and check your utility's website for conservation and efficiency resources.

A variety of energy conservation and savings tips are available on the PUC’s official electric shopping website – PAPowerSwitch.com. 

Also, many utilities provide information on their websites about conservation, energy efficiency, energy use assessments, and other tools to help manage energy usage. Consumers should explore these resources for additional tips on saving money.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov