Gulf Power Company’s power plants are humming around the clock to meet higher customer demands for electricity as temperatures soar across Northwest Florida.

 

“We work hard to anticipate additional demand from our customers in the summer,” Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power spokesperson, said. “We have to plan wisely for future energy needs, forecasting demand years in advance so we have enough electricity. Our connection to the Southern Company power grid with sister companies Alabama Power, Georgia Power and Mississippi Power also helps to ensure we have enough capacity to handle peak demands.”

 

 The company can generate 2,659 megawatts of electricity on its own and purchase more electricity if necessary from neighboring utilities. The peak demand for Wednesday was 2,477 megawatts and Gulf Power’s all-time peak was 2,634 megawatts set in August 2007. The utility is not expecting to set a new all-time peak this summer, but forecasts predict that Gulf Power will surpass Wednesday’s peak today and again early next week.

 

 “About half of the electricity a customer buys during the summer is for air conditioning,” Rogers said. “And when customers choose to buy more electricity that means higher bills. That’s why we recommend that customers take advantage of our energy efficiency services including free Home Energy Check-Ups, online energy saving tips, energy reduction programs and billing options that make paying bills easier.”

 

Gulf Power’s customer service representatives work with customers who may have trouble paying for their electricity. The company offers a program called Budget Billing that helps smooth out seasonal changes in a customer’s electricity bill.

 

The utility also offers many programs and advice to help customers save money and energy. An example is Energy Select, which allows customers to conveniently control comfort and savings with a special thermostat, and lower the price they pay for electricity 87 percent of the time.

 

For details and many no-cost and low-cost things customers can do at home to save energy and reduce bills, call 800-225-5797 or visit www.gulfpower.com.

Tips for summer energy savings

Set your thermostat and leave it

During the summer, your air conditioner is the biggest user of electricity. For many homes, it accounts for more than half of the summer electric bill.

• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher and leave it there. For every degree below that setting, you’ll use 3 to 5 percent more electricity.
• Set the thermostat even higher when at work or away from home for long periods of time, but no more than five degrees higher.
• Change or clean your air conditioner filter regularly. Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.
• Use your ceiling fan for more comfort. Only turn it on when you’re in the room. Ceiling fans only cool people, not rooms.
• Clear outside AC units of plants or brush so they can run more efficiently.

Insulate

• Increase attic insulation, which can save up to 30 percent on cooling and heating costs.
• Insulation is measured in R-value, which is a measure of resistance to heat flow. So the higher the R-value, the better the insulation value.
• Experts recommend you use an R-value of R-38 in ceiling areas. 
• Check your windows and doors for air leaks. Install weather stripping or caulking if needed.

Customers can call 1-877-655-4001 or visit www.gulfpower.com for summer money-saving tips. Customers can also do their own Energy Check Up online — a 5-minute EZ Check Up or more detailed 20-minute Full Check Up is available to help identify low cost and no cost ways to make your home more energy efficient.

 

For even more ways to save money and energy, learn about our EarthCents programs at www.gulfpower.com.

 

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility that serves more than 428,000 customers in 10 counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely deliver affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible energy to very satisfied customers in strong communities.