Gulf Power prepared for high demand for electricity

 

The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures in the mid-90s along the Gulf Coast for the rest of the week, and Gulf Power Company is preparing for record demands for electricity to run air conditioners.

 

“We work hard to anticipate additional demand from our customers in the summer,” Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power spokesperson, said. “Through careful planning, we forecast demand years in advance to provide ample, reliable electricity for our customers. That includes planning for future power plants and other facilities. And, as part of Southern Company, we work with Alabama Power, Georgia Power and Mississippi Power to help ensure we have sufficient capacity.”

 

The utility can generate 2,659 megawatts of electricity on its own and purchase more electricity if necessary from sister companies and neighboring utilities. The all time peak record occurred in August of 2007 when Gulf Power customers demanded 2,634 megawatts. This year’s peak summer demand of 2,432 megawatts was reached on July 2, however a new summer peak is expected this week.

 

“What this means is our customers are buying more electricity to stay comfortable in the summer heat,” said Rogers. “About half of the electricity a customer consumes during the summer is for air conditioning.”

 

The utility offers many energy efficiency programs that customers can choose to help save money and energy.

 

“We recommend customers take advantage of our energy efficiency programs and energy saving online tips to help offset increased summer bills,” said Rogers. “And this is very important in the summer: when it’s hot out, leave your thermostat at 78 degrees — every degree you set it lower will cost you 10 percent more.”

 

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 steps customers can take at home to save energy and reduce bills visit www.gulfpower.com. For an interactive thermostat to see how you can save money on air conditioning, go to http://www.gulfpower.com/residential/flash/thermostat.html.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Energy Tips

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 electricity bill.

  • Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher and leave it there. For every degree below that setting, you’ll use 10 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.

 

Energy Select

 

Energy Select is an advanced energy management and efficiency program that can help you save money and energy.

 

You get

  • A thermostat you program for comfort and savings
  • Online Programming- You can now program your Energy Select thermostat from any computer with internet access.
  • A special rate that features four different prices based upon the time of day, day of week and season.  And, because the price you pay is lower than the normal rate 87 percent of the time, you can choose to buy electricity during lower priced periods which saves you money and energy.
  • A meter that talks to Gulf Power
  • FREE installation

 

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.

Kitchen

  • Whenever possible, cook a lot of meals at the same time. This uses less energy than when you cook each meal separately.
  • If you’re baking, avoid opening the oven door. This lets out 20 percent of the heat. Use a cooking timer instead.
  • Use pots and pans that match the size of the burners on your stove. This allows more heat to the pan and less heat will be lost to surrounding air.
  • Try to use the range instead of the oven. Better yet, turn on the microwave or use a pressure cooker. Both use less power than a standard electric range.

Refrigerator

  • Choose the right size refrigerator for your needs. Larger models use more energy. Open and close the refrigerator door quickly. Know what you want before opening the door.
  • Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Check it by closing a piece of paper in the door, half in and half out. If you can pull the paper out easily, you may need to make some adjustments or replace the seal.
  • Keep your food covered. Moisture buildup in the refrigerator makes the air inside harder to cool.

Dishwasher

  • Run the dishwasher, dryer and the stove after the sun goes down to avoid adding heat to your house.
  • When using the dishwasher, turn off the drying cycle if you don’t need dishes right away.
  • Wait until the dishwasher is full before running it. Partial loads can use just as much water and power as a full load.
  • Scrape dishes before loading them into the dishwasher so you don’t have to rinse them. If they need rinsing, use cold water.

Lighting

One of the best ways to save energy is to turn off lights that aren’t in use.

  • Use fluorescent lighting or CFLs when possible. They last about 10 times longer than incandescent lamps. And they can produce four times more light than standard incandescent lamps, for the same amount of energy.
  • Use one large bulb instead of several small ones in areas where bright light is needed.
  • Use smaller lamps in work areas, like sewing areas and computer desks, so you don’t light the entire room.
  • Lighter-colored walls, drapes, blinds and upholstery reflect light. Dark colors absorb heat and require more artificial light.

 

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 with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. The company is a tax-paying utility with rates well below the national average. Gulf Power serves more than 430,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. Our mission is to safely deliver affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible energy to very satisfied customers in strong communities.