Winter is here!
Learn how to manage your usage during the colder months.
How the cold weather affects your usage
Cold weather plays a major role in increasing your usage, which can have a big impact on your bill. Understand how:
During colder months, your heating system has to work harder and run longer to maintain the indoor temperature. It’s important to understand what’s a comfortable temperature for you and your family.
Cold weather means colder water entering your water heater, which requires more energy to heat it. That’s why the shower takes longer to get to that sweet spot.
Spending more (cozy!) time at home can lead to higher energy use for heating, lighting, and appliances. We also love to watch TV on a Sunday with a blanket and some hot cocoa!
Older or less efficient heating systems, as well as poor insulation or drafts around windows and doors, can cause your heating system to work harder. You can check our Retail Products Program and Insulation & Air Sealing Rebates pages to help you make your home more energy efficient.
Using space heaters can add significantly to your energy bill. A typical 1,500-watt space heater used for 8 hours a day can add around 360 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to your monthly bill. We were amazed as well!
Manage your energy usage and bill
We help you to keep track of your usage and manage your energy bill.
Energy Manager
Explore our Energy Manager, the easiest way to track your energy usage down to the hour, check weather impacts and understand the effect of your appliances on your bill.
Budget Billing
With Budget Billing, there are no surprises. Avoid seasonal fluctuations and pay a stable monthly payment based on your annual energy use over the past year.
Tips to reduce usage
A few adjustments in your routine can make a big difference.
Keep your thermostat at 65° during the day to reduce heating use by up to 15%. Always ensure the temperature is safe and comfortable for you and your family.
Look for and seal any leaks in your duct work. A simple roll of duct tape from your local hardware store can do the trick!
Make sure to replace or clean your furnace filters when they get dirty or at least once a month to keep your system running efficiently.
Roll up a small rug or towel and place it across the bottom of your door to prevent cold air from sneaking in.
Close heat registers in rooms you’re not using, but ensure the temperature stays above freezing to protect your pipes.
Consider installing a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat to automatically control your heating and save money by lowering the temperature when you’re not home. Control the temperature at anytime, anywhere!
If you use electric heat, think about upgrading to a high-efficiency ductless mini-split heat pump system, which can reduce electricity use by up to 40%.
Switch to high-efficiency LED lighting. LEDs use 90% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer.
Turn off lights whenever you leave a room or don’t need them. Empty rooms don't need the lights on!
Use the air-drying option on your dishwasher instead of heat drying, or simply open the door and let the contents air dry.
Set your refrigerator to 38-40°F and your freezer to around 5°F. Remember, every time you open the fridge, about 30% of the cold air escapes!
Use the oven window to check on your food instead of opening the door and letting heat escape. Remember: patience is a virtue!
Use advanced power strips to eliminate ‘standby’ power that many devices consume even when turned off.
Set your water heater to 120°F. Many are preset at 140°F, which uses more energy than necessary.
Upgrade to energy-efficient products!
Explore RGE Smart Solutions to purchase energy-saving products and services, and enjoy instant rebates on select items at checkout.
How can we help
We understand that managing energy bills during such a cold winter can be challenging. If you need additional support, we offer a variety of assistance programs designed to help. Visit our Help with Bill page to learn more.