THE CHALLENGE IS ON:

See How Much You Can Save This Summer

It’s that time of year again! We’re running another energy-saving challenge to help you lower your bill by making small changes each week for a month. You can mark off each item as you complete them and follow along on Facebook at facebook.com/PiedmontEMC or Twitter at twitter.com/PiedmontEMC as we post a reminder of what to do each week to help you save. Will you join in on the fun?

Week 1: Adjust Your Thermostat

This week is all about your thermostat. Whether you have a smart thermostat or a traditional one, adjust the temperature up by a few degrees to help you save money. As a good rule of thumb, we recommend keeping your thermostat set at 78°F in the summer to help you stay comfortable while saving on energy costs.

Week 2: Change the Direction of Your Ceiling Fans

Make sure your ceiling fans are set to turn counterclockwise. If they’re spinning the wrong way, flip the small switch on the side of the fan base to change the direction. This helps to push cool air down, creating a refreshing breeze in the room. Using a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort according to Energy.gov. Also, remember that fans cool people, but they don’t lower the temperature, so turn your fans off when leaving the room. Also, remember that fans cool people, but they don’t lower the temperature, so turn your fans off when leaving the room.

Week 3: Adjust Your Water Heater

Did you know that about 20%* of your home’s energy use goes toward water heating? For this week’s challenge, adjust your water heater by a few degrees to help you save on your electricity bill. We recommend 120°F as a comfortable yet efficient water heater setting. As a bonus challenge, install a water heater insulation blanket to prevent heat loss in your tank.

Week 4: Unplug Unused Electronic Devices Around Your Home

For the final week of the challenge, take a look around your home and identify any devices that you keep plugged in all the time. It could be your TVs, video game consoles, air fryers, etc. These devices pull energy even when they’re off, so unplug them and only plug them in again when you need to use them.

Extra Credit: Check Your Air Filters

Check you air filters once a month to make sure they are clean. Dirty air filters can prevent air from flowing freely and make your system less efficient. *According to Energy.gov.

Piedmont Electric Connection

Published monthly for the members of Piedmont Electric Cooperative. Piedmont Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Hillsborough and Roxboro Drive-Thru Hours: Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Caswell Drive-Thru Hours: Wednesday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Offices are closed except for scheduled appointments.

Available by phone Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Report outages, make payments and access account information by phone 24-hours-a-day by calling 800.222.3107.

You can also pay your bill online at pemc.smarthub.coop

2500 NC Highway 86 South PO Drawer 1179 Hillsborough, NC 27278

Stephen B. Hamlin President & General Manager

DIRECTORS

Bill R. Barber, Chair

Randy Kinley, Vice Chair

David Poythress, Secretary

Richal Vanhook, Treasurer

Steven P. Bailey, Stephen C. Long, V. Kay Scurlock-Ferguson, Elizabeth Townsend & Cyrus Vernon

IF YOUR POWER GOES OUT, CALL OR TEXT 800.222.3107

Opt in for text alerts by texting “pemc” to 800.222.3107. Once you’ve opted in, report an outage by texting “#out” to 800.222.3107 or "#status" for an update on your outage. Our automated outage reporting system uses your phone number to determine your service location. Update the phone number connected to your account online through SmartHub, by completing the form on your monthly bill or by calling 800.222.3107.

Use the SmartHub app to report an outage or online at pemc.smarthub.coop/#reportanissue: with your SmartHub login. Please note that it may take up to 24 hours for our system to recognize new cell phone numbers in the text outage alert program.

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