Every winter, those working phones in the PUD Call Center can set their clock to one specific type of call: Customers frustrated about high bills.
“Whenever we experience a colder than normal week, about a month later you know you’re going to start receiving calls asking, ‘Why did my bill go up?’ ” said PUD customer service representative Nichelle Hall. “It takes a little explaining to help them understand, but the reason is simple: heating.”
Cold weather makes furnaces work overtime to keep the temperature in the home modest. The greater the difference between temperatures outside and inside, the harder those furnaces must work — and the higher customers’ bill will be the following month. Throw in the fact that it’s dark much of the day and we’re staying indoors more, and it’s no wonder customers think they’re rates increased.
The fact is, the PUD hasn’t had a rate increase in three years. Higher-than-average bills are simply due to customers using more electricity. Once she helps customers understand why their bill is higher, Hall said she often mails customers the PUD’s Smart Savers booklet or guides them to the Home Energy Profile tool on the website.
She added that some customers have difficulty paying those high winter bills. For them, she points to the PUD income-qualified assistance programs and agencies such as 2-1-1 and Energy Assistance at 425-388-3880.
“We’re here to help,” Hall said of the PUD’s customer service representatives.
So far, winter here in Snohomish County has been fairly mild. Mostly buckets of rain and some gray, foggy days, but no real winter chill yet. But that can change in an instant. January and February are regularly some of Snohomish County’s coldest months of the winter, resulting in those ballooning bills Hall mentioned.
Here are some tips on how customers can avoid winter sticker shock when they open their PUD bill:
Flatten the curve. Instead of riding the roller coaster of high winter bills and low summer ones, customers can take advantage of the PUD’s budget payment plan to equalize their bills over the year. The plan doesn’t reduce the amount customers pay, but rather makes their payments about the same all year long. At the end of the year, the PUD will calculate the difference between energy consumed and amount charged and either bill for the remainder or credit a customer’s account. Note: Customers must have 12 months of history at their current location to be eligi ble for a budget payment plan.
Put on a sweater. Sure, it’s nice to prance around in your underwear in a cozy, warm home, but you’ll pay for it. Instead, put on a sweater and dial your thermostat back to 68 degrees in the winter. For each degree warmer customers set their thermostat in cold weather, the harder their furnace is working and the more energy consumed. For each degree customers turn down their heat, they’ll save 2%-3% on their PUD bill.
Invest in a smart thermostat. To really make a dent in that winter bill, customers can purchase a smart thermostat and program it to turn the temperature down considerably at night or when the home is unoccupied. Customers can save as much as 10% on their winter bills by dialing their thermostat back 7-10 degrees for eight hours per day. Note: For instant savings, PUD customers with electric heat can visit marketplace.snopud.com and purchase a smart thermostat.
Keep the heat in. The most effective way customers can help their furnace out is to keep more of the warm air from escaping to the chilly outside. Sealing significant air leaks can save customers up to 20% on their heating costs during the winter. For do-it-yourselfers, add caulk or weather-stripping to windows and doors. Those looking to really make a difference can replace older, single-pane windows with double-pane windows. For information on instant rebates for home improvements like window replacements, visit www.snopud.com/weatherization.
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