KATHY'S HOME & GARDEN TIPS - SAVE MONEY ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL
I've recently become aware of a program offered through ComEd that can save you money.
By using energy at times when the price for Kwh (kilowatt hours) is sometimes substantially lower than peak time prices. You must register at thewattspot.com. You have to sign up here and wait for ComEd to install a special electric meter that measures use on a half-hourly basis to track your usage and charge accordingly.
You can see what electricity costs at a given time by looking on the Internet at thewattspot.com.
In a time of heavy demand the Kwh price can be as much as 25 cents per hour, but for instance the price at 3 a.m. can be as little as 0.71 cents- a fraction of a cent. I imagine that most of us are not up to doing laundry at 3 a.m., but you can see how it is possible to shift your use of major appliances to a time when electricity is cheaper.
Although there are no guarantees that you will save money, ComEd says 93% of participants did save in 2007, on average 10-11%. Some did lose money as impossible as that seems with the real-time pricing is below the cost of electricity with the standard program. The program does not pay for people who spend $40 or less per month. I'm sure there are not too many of those out there. I know my lowest bill throughout the year is never less than $50.
If you save 10% on your bill, this can mean $100 or more per year. Check it out, I'm sure going to.
Everyone have a Safe and Happy New Year, Remember the Police will be out in full force this Holiday. Don't Drink and Drive!!
DO YOU WANT TO LEARN OF OTHER WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL? Let me know.
DEAN'S TEAM HOME & GARDEN EDITOR,
KATHLEEN WEAVER ZECH
