Sunday, October 29, 2017
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, PUCO, wants to educate Ohioans on how to better manage their energy use.
Gov. John R. Kasich recognizes October as Energy Awareness Month.
PUCO has a list of ways to reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency, as well as information on programs to help Ohioans having trouble paying their energy bills.
“By getting in the habit of practicing simple conservation techniques, consumers can reduce their energy usage and save money on their bills,” said Kim Norris, PUCO spokeswoman, in a statement.
To make sure a home is efficiently keeping the warm air in and the cold air out, PUCO offers a multitude of tips, which can be found here.
Cooking also takes up a lot of energy. PUCO suggests: Keep the burners and reflectors on an oven clean; defrost the freezer periodically to ensure the frost does not accumulate more than one-fourth of an inch; set out frozen food to defrost or use the microwave instead of running it under hot water; check the gasket, or seal, in the refrigerator door to make sure it fits properly; and get rid of any old refrigerators or freezers.
To conserve energy on cleaning and maintenance, PUCO suggests: only running the dishwasher when it is full; let the dishes air dry; run the clothes washer with a full load, match the water level to the size of the load, and use a minimum amount of detergent; only use hot water to wash clothes that are very dirty; buy a front-loading washer, which uses one-third less water than top-loading models; clean the dryer’s lint filter after each use; and repair leaky faucets and toilets to avoid wasting hundreds of gallons of water each week.
In the household, PUCO suggests to save energy by turning off lights and appliances; use compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs; and set the water heater thermostat to the warm setting, or 120 degrees.
PUCO reminds energy customers that most electric and natural-gas companies offer a budget billing program, where the cost of energy usage is spread out over a 12-month period.
Assistance is available for both gas and electric bills. The assistance may be in the form of a reduction of a heating bill and/or a set amount based on income to be paid each month. Eligibility for these programs is usually based on household income.
The programs include: Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP); Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus); Winter Crisis Program; Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP); Summer Crisis Program; HeatShare Programs; extended payment plans; and energy assistance for military personnel and their families.
Low-income households may also qualify for assistance programs to help pay utility bills. Contact PUCO at 800-686-7826 for more information about the available assistance and the income guidelines to qualify.