BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Keeping cool as the stifling heat wave settles in doesn't mean your electricity bill has to go up, providers say.
Both the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and PPL Electric Utilities released energy-saving tips for Pennsylvanian's looking to cool off amid high temperatures this week.
The PPL tips come after PJM Interconnection issued a hot weather alert from June 17 through June 21.
Allentown this past weekend issued a heat advisory for the coming days.
In Philadelphia, the National Weather Service also issued a heat advisory from June 18 to June 19 and an excessive heat watch from June 19 to June 22.
The heat advisory said heat values up to 97 degrees are expected, but temperatures could reach up to 103 during the excessive heat watch in the Lehigh Valley.
Excessive heat impacts could continue into Sunday.
The hazardous weather pattern “will likely support a broad area of hot and dry weather, with the greatest anomalies and potential for daily records extending from the Ohio Valley/Lower Great Lakes into the northern Mid-Atlantic/Northeast,” an extended forecast discussion from the Weather Prediction Center said.
Weather.com shows high temperatures in the mid-80s to mid-90s daily for the next two weeks in the Lehigh Valley.
Suggestions from PPL and PUC include:
- Use shades, blinds or drapes to cover windows during the sunniest time of day to reduce heat buildup indoors
- Avoid using heat-producing appliances such as dishwashers, stoves or dryers. When cooking, instead try to use outdoor grills or microwaves to reduce additional indoor heat
- Use fans to circulate cool air
- Switch to cooler and more efficient LED lights, as incandescent light bulbs produce heat
- Regularly clean and replace air-conditioner filters
- Seal cracks to prevent warm air from leaking indoors
- Set your thermostat between 72 and 78 degrees
The PUC said every degree air-conditioning is raised above 72 degrees, electricity customers can save up to 3% on cooling costs.
More money and energy-saving tips are available on the PUC's electric shopping website, PAPowerSwitch.com.
The commission also recommends checking local utility provider websites, which often share conservation tips and usage assessments.
