Summer In Essex County: 10 Ways To Save On Your Electric Bill

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Are you an Essex County resident looking for ways to save some cash on your electric bill this summer? It may be simpler than you think, according to New Jersey’s largest gas and electric delivery public utility.

PSE&G recently released a list of suggestions to help customers save energy – and money. The company’s tips include:

1. Don’t cool an empty house. Set your thermostat higher when you are away.
2. Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows with caulk or weather-stripping.
3. Replace air filters monthly. Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder.
4. Use a microwave or crockpot instead of the oven. Better yet, grill outdoors.
5. Operate appliances in the morning or evening when it is cooler outside.
6. When washing dishes or clothes, run full loads.
7. Wash laundry in cold water.
8. Close blinds and draperies facing the sun to keep out the sun’s heat.
9. Don’t cool unused rooms. Close the vents and shut the door.
10. Ceiling fans cool fast and cost less than air conditioning. (In hot weather, set your ceiling fan to spin quickly, counterclockwise to push air downward toward the floor.)

Jack Bridges, vice president of electric operations at PSE&G, said the utility has enough capacity to meet the projected increased demand for electricity that comes with high temperatures during the summer months.

“We understand our customers depend on us to keep their homes and businesses cool,” Bridges said.

“We are closely monitoring our system and are staffed and ready to respond to issues as they arise,” Bridges said, adding that PSE&G continues to invest in infrastructure improvements to help keep the power running.

• See Related: NJ Board Approves PSEG Plan For $511M In Infrastructure Upgrades
• See Related: PSEG Reports 'Strong Financial Results' For The Year
• See Related: PSEG Has Given Free 'Energy Checkups' To Thousands Of Homeowners

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