Savannah Electric today received a decision on its fuel cost recovery (FCR) allowance request from the Georgia Public Service Commission (GPSC). The adjustment is needed to cover the dramatic increase in the market price of natural gas and coal used to generate electricity.

Expenses related to fuel used for electricity generation must be approved by the GPSC. Under Georgia law, electric utilities like Savannah Electric are not allowed to make a profit on fuel.

The new allowance is effective the first billing cycle in November. The increase applies to all customer classes. Individual bills will vary based on usage and applicable rate plans, but initial calculations suggest that a typical residential customer using 1200 kilowatt-hours (kwh) per month can expect to see an increase of approximately 13.5 percent.

Savannah Electric significantly reduced the fuel allowance in 2002. The last fuel increase was in spring 2001 – three and a half years ago.

Savannah Electric encourages the wise use of electricity by all customers. According to the government’s Energy Star program, implementing recommended energy efficiency measures can save up to 30 percent. Even customers in highly efficient homes can save by changing energy usage habits. Tips for both cases appear on the attached page. In addition, efficiency information is often included in customer bill inserts and can be found at www.savannahelectric.com or by contacting the company at 1-800-437-3890.

Other programs such as Budget Billing, a “time-of-use fuel rate” and a Senior Citizen’s Low-Income discount are also available to eligible customers.

Savannah Electric, a subsidiary of Southern Company, serves 140,000 customers in a five-county area of Southeast Georgia.

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Energy Efficiency Advice from Savannah Electric

Invest for long-term energy efficiency:

• When purchasing or replacing appliances, look for the Energy Star label. You can lock in energy savings for years to come.

• Investigate the need to have attic ductwork sealed. Loose joints and ducts mean you may be heating or cooling your attic or crawlspaces.

• Consider adding insulation to your home. Customers in older homes, especially, can benefit from adding high R-value insulation to their attic. Make sure new homes are built to Good Cents standards with high R-value insulation in floors and walls as well.

• Make sure doors and windows seal properly with weather-stripping or caulking.

• Consider adding storm doors to reduce heat exchange and when building, use at least double-pane, energy efficient windows.

• Fix leaky hot water faucets.

• Have a reputable company maintain your heating and cooling system.

• Consider replacing large area incandescent lighting with high efficiency fluorescent fixtures. Replace other incandescent bulbs with long-lasting compact fluorescent bulbs.

Simple habits and practices can save money too:

Winter practices:

• Clean or change your heating system’s air filter monthly

• Open drapes and blinds each day to let in the sun`s warmth. Close them after dark to hold in the heat.

• Use exhaust fans sparingly. Steam from cooking or bathing can add warmth and moisture to the home, improving comfort.

• In the winter, use ovens, dryers and dishwashers when the family is in living areas, such as early evening. The extra heat can help you use a lower thermostat setting.

• Run ceiling fans on low and reverse their direction to gently push warm air from the ceilings back to the floor.

• Make sure the fireplace flue is closed when not in use. A great deal of heat is lost up the chimney.

Summer practices:

• Clean or change your air conditioner’s air filter monthly

• Close blinds or drapes to help keep out the sun’s heat.

• Fans use little energy compared to air conditioners but move the air to make you feel cooler with a higher thermostat setting.

• Exhaust fans remove steam from cooking or bathing areas, but turn them off after steam is gone.

• Use large steam-producing appliances like washers, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or at night. You will stay more comfortable and your cooling system will not work as hard.

• If you use air conditioning, keep household “in and out traffic” to a minimum.

• Consider the items you need from the refrigerator or freezer before opening the door.

• Use task lighting when possible instead of full-room lighting to lower costs and reduce heat build-up.

Finally, visit www.savannahelectric.com or call 1-800-437-3890 to take a free energy survey. We`ll send suggestions customized for your home.