Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - National Grid believes its customers will see a drop in their energy bills this winter. The company predicts that natural gas will cost less and that the savings will be passed on to the consumer.
Consumers like Bill Rybak have tried everything to keep their energy bill as low as possible, including buying high-efficiency appliances.
“This is the new furnace…and this is the new high-efficiency hot water heater and high efficiency furnace,” Rybak describes.
But even those who have not invested in energy efficiency should see lower bills this winter, according to the utility company.
“We've been able to calculate that this year we should absolutely see a reduction of about eight percent,” said National Grid Regional Executive Melanie Littlejohn.
They predict a decrease in the price of natural gas, but delivery charges will remain constant. So the best way to reduce the bill is to lower consumption.
National grid says a 1,200 square foot house paid $756 for energy from November to March last year. that same house should see a $650 bill this season if the thermostat is kept at the same temperature - a $60 saving for the 2010-11 season. Those who wish to save even more can do so by turning their thermostats down to the recommended 68 degrees.
National grid says for every one degree the thermostat is set back, a consumer can save one to three percent on their annual energy bill. In addition, they say measures to seal off the house will help even more.
“Insulation, anything you can do to reduce drafts because with a draft you've got warm air going out while cool air comes in. So you're paying to heat the neighborhood,” said National Grid program manager Tom Baron.
Which is why Bill Rybak decided to redecorate...
“It's money well spent. You're not throwing money out the window,” Rybak said.
He says his new windows, doors and appliances are saving him almost $100 a month. For more information on National Grid rebates and energy saving programs visit
www.powerofaction.com.
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