Delmarva Power provides resources to save energy and manage bills

Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore recently experienced colder-than-normal temperatures, which resulted in Delmarva Power customers using more energy and seeing higher-than-normal bills. Delmarva Power reminds customers to take advantage of programs to manage monthly energy costs and apply for energy assistance programs funded by the company and available through the state.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program allows utility customers in Delaware to submit applications now through Saturday, March 31, to secure a grant which can provide $1,000 or more toward their energy bill. Homeowners, renters, roomers and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible. For more information, go to www.dhss.delaware.gov/dssc/liheap.html.

The Delaware Weatherization Assistance Program helps homeowners and renters cut their energy bills by weatherproofing and improving the energy efficiency of their homes. For more information, go to www.dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/energy-climate/sustainable-communities/weat....

Through the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, Delmarva Power partners with the Salvation Army to offer energy assistance to low-income customers. For more information, go to www.delmarva.com/MyAccount/CustomerSupport.

Colder weather and increased energy use can sometimes be a challenge. Delmarva Power will work with customers who may have difficulty in paying their electric bill. The company offers payment options like Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly electricity costs, or flexible payment arrangments that offer customers individually tailored payment installment plans. Customers who may be struggling to make a payment should contact Delmarva Power as soon as possible at 800-375-7117.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts that January through March 2018 will still be warmer than average despite the frigid start. This creates potential opportunities for customers to save energy and balance against periods of higher use by following these simple energy-saving tips:

Adjust thermostats down: When people are at home and awake, they should set the thermostat as low as is comfortable for them. When they are asleep or out of the house, they should turn down the thermostat 10° to 15° for eight hours, to save around 10 percent a year on heating bills. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back the temperature. Those who have a heat pump should maintain a moderate setting or use a programmable thermostat specially designed for use with heat pumps.

Lower water heating costs: Water heating accounts for about 18 percent of the energy consumed in the home. To save money, people should turn down the temperature of the water heater to the warm setting, 120°F.

Maintain heating systems: Most cold-weather energy expenses are related to heating the home. Maintenance service should be scheduled for heating systems to find out what is required to keep them operating efficiently.

Take advantage of the sun's heat: To allow sunlight to help heat a home naturally, curtains on south-facing windows should be opened during the day, and then closed at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.

Use ceiling fans: Energy Star-certified ceiling fans may be operated year-round. In the winter, the motor may be reversed and the ceiling fan operated clockwise at low speed to produce a gentle updraft that forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space.

Use energy-efficient lighting: Installing efficient LED bulbs will reduce lighting costs year-round.

Quick home energy check-up: For a fast, easy and free way to increase the energy efficiency of the home and help start saving immediately, schedule a check-up. An energy efficiency professional will come to the home and identify simple ways to help save money and energy. For more information and to schedule an appointment, go to https://homeenergysavings.delmarva.com/quick-home-energy-check-up-program.

To find more ways to save money and energy, go to www.delmarva.com.