July 2014

Cool Off Your Energy Bill

Summer Energy Conservation Tips

In the heat of the summer, you can still find ways to save on your energy bills. You may be surprised that there are a number of free and easy things you can do during the hot summer months that will save you money on your energy bill and keep you cool. Follow these tips to conserve energy in your home this season:

Microwave your meals: The microwave uses two-thirds less energy than your stove. Plus it doesn't send as much heat into your already hot home.
Use your dishwasher: Surprisingly, your dishwasher uses much less water than hand-washing. So hit the easy button - literally!
Fill up your fridge: Having lots of food in yor fridge keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open. So your fridge doesn't have to work as hard to stay cool.
Turn up your thermostat: Yes, you heard right, turning up your thermostat will actually save you money without warming you up. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature, the lower your cooling bill will be.

For more tips and information about conserving energy all-year round, visit our consumer page at www.utc.wa.gov/consumers.

Avoid a Frightening Bill

During the winter months when energy use is at its highest, your monthly bill can be quite scary. In contrast, in the summer, when energy use is typically at it's lowest, your monthly bill can be very small. Having such drastic changes in the amount you are paying for energy can make it hard to budget accordingly. One way you can make your payments more manageable is signing up for budget billing.

Budget billing is offered by utilities companies to evenly distributes your payments throughout the year. Instead of paying high bills in the winter, and low bills in the summer, you pay the same amount all year.

Your monthly payment is an average of your previous years usage divided by 12. Once a year, your utility will recalculate your usage and adjust your payment accordingly.

For more information about budget billing, contact your utility or call our Consumer Help Line at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882).

Stay Connected - Telephone Discount Awareness Week

Sept. 8-14

Staying connected to local resources and emergency services is essential for every household. Often times, telephone services can be expensive, making it hard for many low-income customers to afford. Help is available and many who do not have a phone, or are struggling to pay their montly bills, can get a rate discount through the Washington Telephone Assistance Program (WTAP).

WTAP is a state-wide program that offers discounted local telephone services to households who receive assistance through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The discount is a rate of about $8 per month plus taxes and fees.

Would you believe that at least half of eligible customers nationwide do not take advantage of this discount? Telephone Discount Awareness Week is a nation-wide effort to educate those in need of this vital service and get them connected. For more about the national Telephone Discount LIfeline Awareness Week visit, www.NARUC.org/lifeline.

For more information about WTAP and other discounts available in Washington, visit our webiste www.utc.wa.gov/WTAP.

Stay Connected

Follow the commission.

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
www.utc.wa.gov | 888.333.9882