Mississippi Power prepared for high temperatures, offers summer conservation tips

With temperatures expected to reach the high 90’s with triple digit heat indices, the National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for many counties in the state. Mississippi Power’s system is prepared to meet increased energy demand, and offer customers tips on how to save energy and be safe during extreme temperatures.

As air conditioners seem to be running overtime, there are simple steps you can take to save on your electric bill. Mississippi Power has compiled a list of tips to help you save on your energy and keep your bill as low as possible.

• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher when the house is occupied, and at 85 degrees when no one’s home. (You’ll save 1-2 percent on cooling costs for each degree you raise your thermostat.)
• Invest in a programmable thermostat.
• Clean or replace A/C filters. Dirty filters cause air conditioners to use more energy than necessary to keep a home cool.
• Trim hedges and brush near outdoor A/C units to maximize efficiency.
• Close the curtains or shades on any south- or west-facing windows during the daylight hours and save 2-4 percent on cooling costs.
• Turn on ceiling and table fans—a fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about four degrees and still feel cool. Only use the fan when you’re in the room: fans cool people, not places.
• Shut the doors and any air supply vents in unused rooms to save up to 3 percent on cooling costs.
• Avoid using the stove if possible. Cooking with a microwave oven instead of a regular oven saves up to 90 percent on cooking costs. Consider grilling outside instead; just take care not to go in and out of the house multiple times.
• Wash/dry full loads of laundry in cold water to reduce electricity use. Hang items to dry instead using the dryer.
• Replace traditional, heat-producing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent or LED lights.

More energy savings information is available on the Mississippi Power website. In addition, Mississippi Power offers information about bill assistance programs like Project Share and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), along with budget billing and energy checkups. Information about our customer assistance programs is also available by calling our Customer Care Center at 1-800-532-1502.