Call 2-1-1
Published
on Friday, July 1, 2022
in
Electric Resources
If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to pay an energy bill, you might qualify for one of the many assistance programs your state offers. From tax credits to help for veterans, a number of options are available to help you.
Call 2-1-1 to learn more.
Like 311, 211 is a free public service number that connects you to relevant information in your area. 211 is confidential and available 24/7, and will help you find the most relevant assistance programs in your state. It’s not just for energy bills, either – 211 also provides information about food, housing, and transportation assistance.
For more information about some of the programs available, visit us at teammidwest.com/bill-assistance. Additionally, there are some things you can do right now to reduce your energy bills.
Cooling Off
- If it’s cooler outside than inside, turn off your air conditioner, open your windows, and turn on your fans.
- If you have to use an air conditioner, turn it up to 78 degrees – a setting which most consider comfortable, and which will keep it from working too hard.
- Avoid doing things like cooking indoors or running the dishwasher during the hottest parts of the day. These activities add heat and humidity to your home.
- Keep your blinds closed to stop your windows from trapping extra heat.
Warming Up
- Turn down your heating system to the lowest setting you feel comfortable at, and open your blinds to let in the sun’s warmth.
- Close vents in unused or rarely used areas of your home to make the heat go where it’s needed most.
- Set your water heater a few degrees cooler. Next to your heating system, your water heater uses the second most energy in your home.
Efficiency
- Turn off appliances that aren’t in use.
- If your appliances are older, consider replacing them with newer, more efficient models. Look for the Energy Star logo, which indicates better efficiency.
- Perform regular maintenance and cleaning on your temperature control system to make sure it’s not working harder than it needs to be.