With the rising rates of electricity around the country, there is a heightened focus on cutting back. But how do you know where you can save? An energy study will determine where you are wasting energy and how you can save thousands of dollars, often with solutions which are neither costly nor time consuming.
In 2009 and 2010, electrical rate caps will be lifted in Pennsylvania. Rates may increase as much as 30%-55% and more time-of-day rates will be put in place making electric rates higher during peak hours. Rate caps have already been lifted in MD, NJ and NY where rates during peak demand can be $.26 per kilowatt hour (on average we now pay around $.09 per kilowatt hour in Central PA).
There are several ways to save NOW and to prepare for higher rates which are only months away:
Energy demand response Bulk utility purchase contracts and power purchase agreements (PPAs) Replacement of inefficient lighting Occupancy and sunlight sensors Renewable technologies such as solar PV, ground source heat pumps and wind Generators (often more efficient than using utility power during peak hours) Energy management systems for HVAC units
