Sunshine and savings

By Mark Parker CEC President & CEO

The way summers roll in here in Alabama is really something. One day you’re enjoying those last gentle breezes of spring, and then, bam! You step outside into a sauna.

Vice Chairman

Summer weather is great for splashing in the lake or sipping a sweet iced tea on a porch swing. But, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as escaping the sizzling summer sun into an oasis of air-conditioned comfort.

While our homes offer a much-needed reprieve, the dog days of summer are when we see our energy use — and electric bills — rise. That’s why I’d like to take a moment to talk about how we can navigate this season to help lessen the impact of soaring temperatures on our wallets.

Headquarters: 18836 U.S. Highway 84

Andalusia, AL 36421

334-222-4121

1-800-239-4121

Fax: 334-222-1546

Main/Enterprise Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday

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1-800-239-1193 covington.coop

Did you know that air conditioning alone can account for up to half of your electric bill? Consider setting your thermostat a few degrees higher — even a small change can make a real impact. For every degree above 72, you can save up to 3% on cooling costs. Using fans to circulate cool air can help make your space even more comfortable.

Appliances can generate heat, too. Minimize the use of large appliances like the oven or clothes dryer during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, use these appliances early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s a little bit cooler outside.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned cross breeze for cooling your home. If it’s cooler outside than it is inside, open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a natural draft that pulls cool air in and pushes hot air out. Remember to close windows and blinds once the day heats up to trap the cool air inside.

Some home improvement projects can also make a significant impact on your energy consumption. Consider investing in energy-efficient appliances. Though it might seem like a substantial upfront cost, the long-term savings of these investments are worth it.

Upgrading your insulation is another worthwhile project. Good insulation keeps your home comfortable in the summer by preventing cooled air from escaping. Installing energy-efficient windows, doors and roofing materials can also help to keep your home cool.

Use window coverings to block the sun’s heat during the peak hours. Blinds, shades or curtains can help prevent heat from entering your home and reduce the load on your air conditioner.

In observance of Independence Day, our offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4. In the event of an outage over the holiday, just call 800-239-1193. You can also report an outage using the free CovingtonConnect app for Android or CEC Connect app for iPhones.

On the technology front, upgrading to a smart thermostat can be especially helpful. These devices learn your schedule and preferences, adjusting the temperature accordingly and saving energy when no one is home.

Natural solutions, combined with smart habits and practical home improvements, can go a long way in helping you stay comfortable without breaking the bank.

Now, I’d like to remind you about a valuable tool available to all members — your My Co-op account. Your account includes an online feature that tracks your daily energy use and provides valuable insights about your household’s consumption patterns. This handy resource can be a real eye-opener in terms of where your energy dollars are being spent. It helps you understand your high-usage activities and adjust your habits accordingly.

Tracking energy usage is particularly beneficial for our Flex Advantage members. As you know, Flex Advantage allows members to purchase a set amount of kilowatt-hours in advance and avoid fees should their service become disconnected.

We also post tips and resources on our website, covington.coop, that can help you understand how your home uses energy and steps your family can take to reduce your usage.

Finally, let’s not forget about the programs Covington Electric offers to assist you in managing energy use. The Energy Efficiency Loan Program, for instance, offers low-interest loans to qualified members to purchase high-efficiency heat pumps and make other significant efficiency upgrades to your home.

Our online DIY energy audit tool provides a great assessment of your home’s energy use and offers tips for low-cost energy efficiency improvements.

By working toward a common goal, we can make the most of our energy resources, keep costs down and continue to support the community we love. We’re here for you — as we have been for decades — and we’re always looking for ways to add value to your membership. 