baltimoresun.com

January 6, 2010

BGE warns of high heating bills because of cold weather

bge bills to go up cold weatherBaltimore Gas & Electric Co. is warning that consumer heating bills could go up because of the frigid temperatures outside.

The utility company said gas and electricity usage has been increasing for most consumers as the temperatures have hit below 32 degrees on a number of days. Those who use electric heat pumps could see usage more than double because of auxiliary heating activation when the temps drop below freezing. 

BGE also said it wasn't able to read some customers' meters during last month's record-breaking blizzard, so will give estimates and adjust for actual usage later.

To help with the higher costs, BGE recommends customers use budget billing - which spreads costs out over the year. Seriously cash-strapped customers can also contact the Office of Home Energy Programs for help paying their bills: 800-352-1446 or 410-396-5555.

Consumers can also cut energy usage by sealing gaps in windows, doors and duct work, BGE says.

(Photo: Kenneth Lam, The Baltimore Sun).

Posted by Andrea Walker at 2:19 PM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

December 11, 2009

Maryland's Cash for Appliances rebate program to begin in March

Maryland's going to have more than $5.4 million to give away through the U.S. Department of Energy's energy-efficient appliances rebate program once it kicks off here in March 2010, according to the DOE and the Maryland Energy Administration.

Maryland proposed in its application to (updated) will offer a $300 rebate for purchases of ENERGY STAR electric heat pump water heaters, which the MEA's FAQ on the appliane rebates describes as "a new and very efficient piece of equipment" compared to traditional electric water heaters.

State residents would will also be able to get stimulus rebates of at least $25 $50 for super-efficient clothes washers and $25 for refrigerators ...

Continue reading "Maryland's Cash for Appliances rebate program to begin in March" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:05 AM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Economy, Energy/Utilities
        

November 11, 2009

Smart grid: is it right for BGE customers?

BGE executives will be answering tough questions Thursday and Friday when they return to the Maryland Public Service Commission's hearing room to testify about their smart grid proposal.

The plan to install meters capable of real-time, two-way communication with the utility, slated to cost $800 million over nearly two decades, got a boost last month when the U.S. Department of Energy awarded BGE $200 million in stimulus grants.

BGE says that customers will save billions through operational efficiencies --- BGE will be able to manage its equipment more efficiently and won't need to send out meter readers --- as well as through better awareness of their energy consumption. If you knew how much your bill would cost you, that might prompt you to make energy efficient choices.

Their proposal is coupled with two new rate structures: a plan to give customers bill credits for using less energy from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the hottest summer afternoons --- known as critical peak days, when demand is highest and energy is most expensive --- as well as a "time of use" schedule, that would charge about 16.5 cents per kilowatt-hour from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on all summer weekday afternoons, and about 10 cents at all other times. 

There are a lot of issues for the commissioners to consider ...

Continue reading "Smart grid: is it right for BGE customers? " »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:01 AM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

November 6, 2009

Need help with your energy bills, Baltimore?

Low-income Marylanders having trouble paying utility bills, or who anticipate having trouble in the near future, should check out an Energy Assistance Expo this weekend in Baltimore to apply for aid.

Come to the Mini Conference Center on Baltimore City Community College's campus at 2901 Liberty Heights Avenue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 for more information about eligibility and to enroll in the program. You'll also get tips on conserving energy to keep your bills lower in the first place.

The income guidelines have changed, so here they are:

Maximum Monthly Gross Income per number of people in household

1: $1,579.37
2: $2,124.79
3: $2,670.20
4: $3,215.62
5: $3,761.04
6: $4,306.45

For every additional person, add $545.42.

Here's the documentation you need to apply:

Continue reading "Need help with your energy bills, Baltimore? " »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:32 AM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

October 22, 2009

BGE Heating System Fund: more details

Sometimes you need to spend money to save money, like investing in energy-efficient changes that would lower heating costs. But if you're spending too much on energy bills you may never save enough to pay for cost-cutting improvements.

To combat this problem, Constellation Energy Group is donating $1 million over three years to replace old furnaces for low- or limited-income Baltimore residents, some of whom might not qualify for other state or federal aid.

City weatherization auditors who will be assessing the need for energy-efficient options such as water heater blankets, attic insulation and caulking and other weatherproofing for windows will determine who needs for a replacement paid for by the Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. Heating System Fund, city officials said.

Right now, only homeowners who earn no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level would qualify for the furnace replacement program. However, a spokeswoman for Baltimore's Department of Housing and Community Development said they are waiting for U.S. Department of Energy approval to expand the program to include people who make up to 60 percent of the median income for the Baltimore metro area. Right now HUD says the median is $82,100 for a family of four, so 60 percent would be $49,260.

For more information about the program, including what kind of information applicants will need to provide, check out the Weatherization Assistance Program page at baltimorehousing.org.

Don't forget that energy assistance is also available to help Marylanders who meet income eligibility standards pay their utility bills. Here's the breakdown for this year, according to the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs:

Continue reading "BGE Heating System Fund: more details" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:08 AM | | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities
        

October 12, 2009

How efficient is your home heating system?

Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. has enhanced its "online energy calculator," a tool that consumers can use to review their energy usage and then get tips for improving energy efficiency.

Customers enter their account number and the calculator will use gas and electric consumption data from billing records and compare the information to similar homes similar in the service area. The calculator will also factor in weather, days of service, and other information in generating the reports.

The calculator is part of a "Winter Ready" campaign the utility company is promoting for the cold season.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 9:50 AM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

September 4, 2009

BGE to offer energy checkups

BGE said today that it is offering "Quick Home Energy Check-Ups" to help people learn how to reduce energy usage in their homes and hopefully cut the cost of their bill.

During the "check-up," which lasts about an hour, an analyst will look at insulation levels, air tightness, heating and cooling systems, windows and doors, and lighting and appliances. The customer will then get a checklist of the findings, including recommendations for reducing energy costs.

There is a $40 fee, but it will be waived if customers agree to install three of the following energy saving measures: six compact flourescent light bulbs, two faucet aerators, efficient-flow showerhead, pipe insulation on water heater pipes, or a water heater tank wrap. If a home doesn't require one of the energy saving measure then an additional four CFL light bulbs can be installed instead.

Sign up for a check-up at http://www.bgesmartenergy.com/ or call 877-685-SESP.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 1:35 PM | | Comments (1)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

July 28, 2009

Smart meters: will they convince people to save energy

BGE smart gridBaltimore Gas & Electric wants all its customers to have "smart meters", which they say will help people save by telling them how much energy they're using on a hour-by-hour basis. Under their plan, people would earn rebates by conserving energy on critical peak period days --- days of highest energy demand. And BGE would save through automated meter reading and automated disconnection/reconnection of service.

The Maryland Public Service Commission has the final say in the $500 million proposal, which BGE predicts will save the company millions and consumers billions. BGE has requested to speed up the review process, which the company feels would helps its application for federal stimulus grants for smart grid investments. That money is to be awarded in October. Check out the BGE proposal submitted to the PSC here.

AARP Maryland and the state Office of the People's Counsel, which advocates for consumers, feel that a full hearing with sworn witnesses and on-the-record testimony by experts would better serve Maryland residents. They want time to vet the savings claims that BGE has made. And AARP worries that proposals to charge higher rates for peak use in the summer would adversely affect sensitive populations such as seniors, as Jay Hancock explains over at his blog.

How much could you really save?

Annapolis resident Shirley Norlem, a retiree who volunteered for BGE's "smart meter" pilot last summer, said she saved about $15 for each critical peak period last year (about 12 total). She would turn off appliances and unplug chargers when she knew the peak period was coming. Then Norlem would check the meter right before 2 p.m. and after 7 p.m. to see what she used. BGE would also send her letters and emails detailing her savings.

“I think if you’re going to offer money for what they save, then people will do it,” Norlem told me. “You can enlist the children and make it a game for them.”

But will other Maryland residents like Norlem?

Continue reading "Smart meters: will they convince people to save energy" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:13 AM | | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities
        

July 16, 2009

BGE Rebuts Survey About Baltimore's High Utility Bills

WhiteFence, a comparison shopping Web site where consumers can sign up for services, released a survey today stating Baltimore had the highest average utility bill among 21 major metropolitan areas. Utility bills included phones, Internet, television as well as electricy and natural gas.

But BGE says the survey is flawed. Here's the company's reponse from Wayne Harbaugh, vice president of BGE Pricing and Regulatory Services:

"The WhiteFence Index has some serious deficiencies, including some just plain incorrect information and some very misleading data. For instance, it states that the average home electric bill in New York City is $53 a month, while the average electric bill in Baltimore is $182 per month. In fact, ConEd, which serves New York City, has some of the highest electric prices in the country. According to the latest Edison Electric Institute’s Semi-Annual Bill Comparison, a 1,000 kWh residential bill in New York is $219.98, while the same bill for 1,000 kWh in Baltimore is $154.96. New York’s electric rates are more than 40% higher than in Baltimore -- not considerably lower, as this index would imply.

"There are also problems with the index’s comparison of natural gas costs. For example, WhiteFence states that the average natural gas bill in New York City is only $16/month vs. $29/month in Baltimore. For those of us in Baltimore, this would seem to be a real bargain. Digging a little deeper into the facts, one would find that much of the residential heating use in New York City is provided by a large central steam system. In most NY City homes, natural gas is only used for cooking and the occasional gas fireplace, while in Baltimore most of the homes are also heated by natural gas.

"Natural gas prices in Baltimore are lower than in New York City, but since New York City residents have very low gas usage (little or no heating), their bills appear to be lower in the WhiteFence comparison.

"WhiteFence has a serious omission in their index in that they do not include the costs of steam, nor do they include oil bills. Since heating and air conditioning usage represents over 50% of the energy usage in a home, cities where a large proportion of the heating requirements are supplied by either steam or oil are artificially advantaged in this poorly constructed index.

"This fact is irrefutable: BGE’s rates are the same or lower than other utilities in Maryland, and are in the middle of the pack when compared with utilities throughout the mid-Atlantic and Northeast."

What do readers think? 

 

Posted by Eileen Ambrose at 5:32 PM | | Comments (14)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

Survey: Baltimoreans pay highest utility bills in nation

New figures from WhiteFence.com show that Baltimore residents pay the highest utility bills in the country.

Like we didn’t already know that, or at least had a strong feeling we dished out a lot of money for utilities.

WhiteFence, a site that allows you to comparison shop for home services, reports that in June the average utility bill for Baltimore was $353.93. Utilities include electricity, natural gas, phone, Internet and television).

The national average was $263.83.

Our closest competitor was Houston, where residents there paid an average $335.91.

Even cities noted for not being cheap fared better than us. New Yorkers paid an average of $197.07; Angelenos paid $184.25.

And if you look at the average bills for the past six months, Baltimore still ranks No. 1 at an average of $362.01. The national six-month average was $286.27.

Do you believe these figures that Baltimore residents pay the highest utility bills?

 

UPDATE:  Some readers, including Constellation Energy, question the validity of this survey.  One reader points out that not every place in the nation was surveyed. And, indeed, 21 major areas were in the survey. Also, WhiteFence gets its data on phone, Internet and TV from consumers placing orders on WhiteFence, so it leaves out others who order services elsewhere.

WhiteFence also published its methodology:

"The data available in the WhiteFence Index is derived from the hundreds of thousands of orders that are placed on any one of WhiteFence's Web sites each month for television, phone and high-speed Internet. We are then able to determine popular packages and plans that customers order each day. WhiteFence can also determine the average cost for these communications products based on what our customer base orders through any one of our hundreds of Web sites.

The method for getting the averages for electricity and natural gas differs from the communication categories. As the majority of the United States electricity and natural gas service is regulated, these rates are general public knowledge — but not always the easiest information to find. Due to our widespread relationships with service providers and our knowledge of the energy industry, WhiteFence has been able to get the actual price for each city published in the WhiteFence Index. The price for electricity or gas is based on a unit of measurement either a kWh for electricity or a therm for natural gas. Extensive research was done to ensure that we had accurate usage history for each area in the Index for electricity and natural gas by month. This can vary if you use more or less than the average for your area, what season it may be as well as if you use only electricity or a combination of gas and electric."

UPDATED AGAIN: Check out what BGE had to say about WhiteFence's survey of utility prices

 

 

Posted by Eileen Ambrose at 12:02 PM | | Comments (62)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

July 14, 2009

BGE's Smart Grid plan: what do you think?

BGE smart gridBaltimore Gas & Electric has proposed switching all its customers to "smart grid" technology -- particularly advanced meters that provide frequently updated information about energy consumption -- that the company says will encourage them to conserve when it matters most, at peak times when we're paying the most.

Company officials said the initiative could result in demand reductions of 500 megawatts --- the amount of electricity generated by a new power plant, without having to pay to build it (or fuel it). 

The program has a hefty price tag: $500 million, to be funded through bill surcharges that start at 38 cents for electric customers and 44 cents per month in the first year. These are expected to increase to an average of $1.24 and $1.52 respectively over the five-year program --- or perhaps less, if BGE receives federal stimulus grants for smart grid technology of up to $200 million for smart grid technology. 

They submitted the initiative to the Maryland Public Service Commission on Monday, which will ultimately decide whether to give it a green light.

The Sun's business columnist Jay Hancock said the smart grid proposal will be worth it if it works out as planned -- with federal stimulus grants, and if the savings pans out.

And, he points out, the smart metering pricing could have been set up so that people who continue to use energy during peak periods pay more. Instead, they set up incentives: rebates to reward those who cut back at critical times, instead of penalties.

Still, consumer advocates such as the Office of the People's Counsel want to be able to carefully vet the terms of any potential deals before they are on the hook for the price of this program. They want to know why it has to be rolled out so quickly, instead of just installing the "smart" meters as the existing ones grow obsolete. There are also concerns about smart grid security. And they're just working out the standards for these smart grid devices now.

Most importantly, they question whether the actual savings will match the predictions.

How does BGE say the initiative would work? 

Continue reading "BGE's Smart Grid plan: what do you think? " »

Posted by Liz Kay at 7:11 AM | | Comments (16)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities, Greenies
        

June 26, 2009

Cool tips for air conditioner care

air conditioner maintenanceWhoa, summer temperatures are definitely here. A few simple steps will help keep your air conditioner working at its peak so you can keep cool without sweating too much over your bills.

Consumer Reports recommends washing the filter (dry it thoroughly before using!) of room air conditioners, vacuuming the coils inside and out and checking the seals. They also advise against "short-cycling" --- turning the AC back on within 10 minutes of turning it off.

They recommend calling in professionals for maintaining central AC systems, though.

Also, let's be reasonable with the thermostat ...

Continue reading "Cool tips for air conditioner care" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:04 AM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities
        

June 24, 2009

Utilities to start turning off service for past-due bills

Well, the time has come. Utilities such as Baltimore Gas & Electric, Pepco and Delmarva Power have plan to shut off customers who have outstanding balances. Others such as Allegheny Power and Washington Gas Light have already begun.

The terminations come, utility company representatives say, after weeks of trying to contact customers through letters to negotiate payment plans to avoid termination, as directed by the Maryland Public Service Commission in April.

Theresa Czarski of the Office of the People's Counsel, which advocates for consumers, said she and other members of a work group planning implementation of the payment plans urged utilities to indicate on the outside of the envelopes so consumers would understand that these letters were more than just another overdue bill notice.

If you or someone you know is in danger of having their service cut off, don't ignore the payment requests --- call the company. You can get an extension and you can work out a payment plan. The weather's already gotten way hotter.

Here are some sources if you need assistance to pay your energy bills:

Continue reading "Utilities to start turning off service for past-due bills" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 2:27 PM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Economy, Energy/Utilities
        

May 29, 2009

Propane grill masters fired up about less fuel in their tanks

propane tanksAdd this one to the list of shrinking products: apparently propane tanks now contain less fuel although the tanks themselves remain the same size -- and the same price, according to the Associated Press.

Yes, that's right: if you're planning to buy propane to grill some meat, fish or vegetables this weekend, take a closer look at the labeling on the tank.

 Apparently ...

Continue reading "Propane grill masters fired up about less fuel in their tanks" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:09 AM | | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities, Food, Gas prices
        

April 24, 2009

Lower electric rates for next winter

At least one factor that led to recent skyrocketing electric bills will be eased next winter.

The Maryland Public Service Commission announced yesterday that electricity rates will be lower for next winter, based on wholesale prices from an auction this week.

Of course, that news comes with a caveat:

Continue reading "Lower electric rates for next winter" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:04 AM | | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities
        

April 6, 2009

Make energy efficient improvements and save

Improve your home's energy efficiency and save money with tax rebates and credits while feeling more comfortable, too.

Sun columnist Jacques Kelly invested $260 in a home energy audit and spent about $3,000 in improvements to shave $75 off his monthly energy bill.

But he and others who invest in their homes could enjoy tax rebates and credits on home improvements like new windows or doors, which Consumerworld.org reminds us about. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act, homeowners are eligible for tax credits for up to 30 percent of the cost of insulation, efficient hot water heaters and more. The maximum for these improvements is $1,500 for purchases between Feb. 17, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2010. 

With construction slow, it might be a good opportunity to negotiate with contractors for this kind of work.

Plus, Jacques says he gains something else that's just as important as saving money: "I might also have a more comfortable home," he wrote. 

UPDATED: Check out more info on energy-efficiency improvements and tax benefits in Jay Hancock's column.

Posted by Liz Kay at 12:04 PM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities, Greenies
        

April 1, 2009

Energy assistance expo in Laurel Thursday

Need help paying your utility bills? Consider stopping by the Energy Assistance Expo in Laurel tomorrow. Here are the details:

The Community Action Agency will hold an Energy Assistance Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at Resurrection of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, 8402 Brock Bridge Road, Laurel.

Low-income residents in need of help paying their gas and electric bill can apply for assistance at the expo. Aid is available to households with a monthly income ranging from $1,516.65 for a single resident to $4,141.65 for a family of six.

Applicants need to take photo identification, proof of residence, copies of Social Security cards for all family members, income verification, name and account of their utility supplier and last bill.

Information: 410-265-4103.

If Laurel is too far to travel ...

Continue reading "Energy assistance expo in Laurel Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 4:04 PM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Cable/Satellite/TV/Comcast/FiOS, Energy/Utilities
        

March 31, 2009

Businesses cover, refund your payments if you lose your job

 

Ford Motor Co. has joined the list of companies trying to encourage spending by covering car payments if you lose your job, the Associated Press reports. And General Motors may soon offer a similar deal.

UPDATED: Just announced: General Motors' payment protection plan for those who lost jobs will cover nine payments of up to $500, according to the Associated Press. Hyundai Motor Co., JetBlue and Jos. A. Bank have all created job-loss specials to help uncertain shoppers hesitating to make big purchases. 

According to the AP story, Ford will cover payments of up to $700 each month for up to a year on new Fords, Lincolns or Mercurys after a job loss, through June 1.

In January, Hyundai started a program allowed drivers to return vehicles within a year if they could no longer make payments due to job loss or disability, the AP story states.  The "Assurance Plus" program now will cover your payments for three months, according to the Web site, and after that you can still bring the car back.

Then JetBlue got on the bandwagon, making its own announcement last month.

Continue reading "Businesses cover, refund your payments if you lose your job" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 12:07 PM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Budgeting, Cars, Economy, Energy/Utilities
        

March 10, 2009

Home energy audits: spend to save big on utility bills

Home energy audits can help homeowners identify improvments that could shave their utility bills and use fewer resources, according to Scott Calvert's story today.

I've been talking with Dan Holohan of heatinghelp.com, a site where consumers and contractors discuss heating issues. He says there's a lot of "low-hanging fruit" amid the housing stock in the Baltimore area --- opportunities where some changes could result in big returns.

Unfortunately, however ...

Continue reading "Home energy audits: spend to save big on utility bills" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:03 AM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

March 9, 2009

Estimated versus actual electric meter readings

RegW had a great question last week about estimated versus actual electric meter readings:  

"... I'm far more inclined to believe that BGE is estimating meter readings instead of actually reading them, and that the estimates are in BGE's favor rather than the customers'. Can someone explain to me how the meter reading is carried out these days? I can't remember a single time in the past 5 years that I've actually seen someone from BGE reading a meter ...

Do they carry out these readings under the cloak of night? Or are they conducted remotely via ESP? Is the process completely automated these days, and therefore doesn't require a BGE employee to come out and actually read people's meters?"

He guessed partially right ...

Continue reading "Estimated versus actual electric meter readings" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 12:11 PM | | Comments (1)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

March 6, 2009

84,000 people could have their electricity shut off

So many people are struggling with utility bills, and have been for so long, that 84,000 Marylanders are at risk of having their electric and gas services cut off once winter restrictions are lifted on April 1, Laura Smitherman reports.

April 1 is the key date, because ...

Utilities can halt service when a customer's balance exceeds $200 for electricity or natural gas, or $300 for both; and when the total due is greater than the deposit. Rules are more lenient for low-income customers who apply for aid, the elderly and those on life support.

State regulations impose further restrictions on utilities during cold weather months for safety reasons. From Nov. 1 to April 1, service terminations are limited when the weather forecast does not exceed 32 degrees for 24 hours. Utilities also must file affidavits confirming that they made personal contact with customers before shutting them off and explaining the reason for doing so.

Now, a number of factors are affecting our bills this winter, including the colder temperatures. While everyone's situation is different, here are a couple of ideas to try to minimize your bills while staying warm:

Continue reading "84,000 people could have their electricity shut off" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:16 AM | | Comments (2)
Categories: Budgeting, Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities, Gas prices, Home/Real Estate
        

February 25, 2009

Save on home energy costs: Consumer Web Site of the Week

Lots of people are trying to save money on home heating bills and lower energy costs, so for this Consumer Web Site of the Week, let's reprise an oldie but a goodie: Energystar.gov's Home Energy Yardstick, which we told you about last year along with energy-saving tips for renters

The site asks you to enter information about your home and your utility bills to find ways to make it more energy efficient. And with $1,500 worth of tax credits for energy-efficiency improvements in the stimulus package, this may be the year to take advantage. 

 

Posted by Liz Kay at 3:12 PM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Consumer Web Site of the Week, Energy/Utilities, Greenies
        

February 24, 2009

Skyrocketing utility bills

save money on utility bills

Consumers continue to wonder why their utility bills are shooting up, in some cases doubling and tripling despite efforts to cut back. So many have complained to the state Public Service Commission that it is reviewing data from each company. A hearing will be held Thursday.

Check out the written responses from the companies on the state Public Service Commission Web site. Here's information from the commission about filing a complaint about high utility bills, including how to request an independent test of your meter (known as a "referee" test").

Representatives from the utilities say that people are using more electricity and gas due to the unusually cold weather and more days at home over the holidays. A longer billing cycle and higher winter rates also contributed to larger bills, they say.

What could you do to lower your energy usage?

Continue reading "Skyrocketing utility bills" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:28 AM | | Comments (20)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities, Greenies
        

February 20, 2009

Complaints about utility bills up, energy distribution rates to follow?

BGE rate increaseConstellation Energy, Baltimore Gas & Electric Co.'s parent, announced plans this week to request an increase in BGE's distribution rates for gas and electricity for 2010 as complaints about skyrocketing utility bills continue to pour in, leading state legislators and consumer advocates to call for reregulation of energy markets in Maryland.

According to statehouse reporter Laura Smitherman's story:

"Constellation has not said how much of a rate increase it is seeking, but any increase to the electricity delivery charge is capped at 5 percent under a deal with state regulators. It would be the first delivery rate increase for electricity since 1993 and for natural gas since 2005, according to the company."

Business reporter and columnist Hanah Cho explains it further: 

 

Continue reading "Complaints about utility bills up, energy distribution rates to follow?" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 10:35 AM | | Comments (1)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

February 12, 2009

PSC to review higher-than-usual electric and gas bills

Marylanders are shocked by their gas and utility bills, and they're complaining to the state's Public Service Commission about it.

The commission was already looking into why so many ratepayers statewide have overdue bills, but they have expanded the inquiry this week to determine why so many people's electric bills have skyrocketed.

It's not the rates themselves --- the increases that went into place June 1 would not lead to the doubling and tripling of bills that ratepayers are seeing, said Paula Carmody, the People's Counsel, a consumer advocate.

It's also unlikely that electric meters have failed across the board, although you should talk to the company if you think there's a problem.

But the winter is probably on track to be normal or even colder than normal, compared with the past two warmer-than-usual cold seasons, she said. That could lead to increased usage.

According to our story:

"We do believe that for the most part it's a matter of usage," said Clay Anderson, a spokesman for Pepco. "You're going to have an increase ... with colder temperatures."

BGE told Sun business columnist Jay Hancock last month that:

"This winter, temperatures are 8 percent lower than normal, BGE says. That translates into as much as 10 percent more kilowatts burned - or higher if you have a heat pump or baseboard heaters."

Here's the other factor --- advance electricity purchases locked in at the summer's higher rates:

"At the same time ... BGE locked up its supply in advance, before prices dipped. While not purchasing at the peak in June and July, it still bought above today's depressed levels.

Likewise, BGE bought much of this winter's natural gas last summer, during the boom.

So neither natural gas nor electricity customers have yet benefited from the crash in energy prices. The wholesale cost of both decatherms and kilowatts has fallen by 40 percent or more from last summer's highs, mimicking the price of gasoline." 

By Feb. 20, the utilities must provide the PSC with answers to the following questions:

Continue reading "PSC to review higher-than-usual electric and gas bills" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 7:37 AM | | Comments (17)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities
        

December 10, 2008

Commissioner dims lights on holiday spirit

You'd better pay your electric bills before you deck the halls --- in Thurmont, at least.

A commissioner in this Frederick County town is threatening to publicly expose utility customers who put up Christmas lights even though their electricity bills are past due, according to this WHAG-TV news report discovered via Consumer Reports.

The story states that the city is responsible for the unpaid bills --- which amount to thousands of dollars in an already tight fiscal time --- so the holiday light displays are just a slap in the face.

Folks whose accounts are in the red are not allowed to participate in the town's annual decorating contest. But town officials say they won't publish names in the paper until January 1.

 

Posted by Liz Kay at 2:04 PM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities, Odds & Ends
        

December 8, 2008

Apply for energy assistance for help paying heat and electric bills

energy assistanceHelp may be available if you're having trouble paying your energy bills this winter --- even before you've received a turn-off notice.

Apply to the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, which received more than three times the federal money it was allocated during the last fiscal year.

The Office of Home Energy Programs began distributing its $110 million appropriation last month and hopes to reach an additional 10,000 households --- more than 102,000.

However, state Department of Human Resources officials estimate that that's only about a third of the people who are eligible. 

For more information, call 1-800-352-1446. Another resource for help with this and other issues: www.problemsolver.maryland.gov

Income eligibility limits below the jump.

(photo: Jed Kirschbaum/Baltimore Sun)

 

Continue reading "Apply for energy assistance for help paying heat and electric bills" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 4:03 PM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Budgeting, Energy/Utilities
        

November 7, 2008

BGE Hosts Energy Assistance Expo In Anne Arundel County

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We all know electricity prices are already putting a big dent in our pockets. We know that natural gas prices will rise by 10 to 30 percent this winter. Factor in a bad economy and that could cause many people to decide between heating their home or buying food, medicine or what have you.

Well, if you think you might get squeezed this winter, avail yourself of some assistance that might be available to you out there.

Today, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., BGE is holding an Energy Assistance Expo at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Edgewater to assist qualifying customers to apply for grants through the Office of Home Energy Programs. Click the jump for details.

Continue reading "BGE Hosts Energy Assistance Expo In Anne Arundel County" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 6:38 AM | | Comments (2)
Categories: Budgeting, Energy/Utilities
        

October 29, 2008

CWSotW: Exorcise your home of energy vampires

exorcistExorcise your household of energy zappers this weekend, with this Google tip via Lifehacker.

Google provides us with a holiday-themed energy conservation calculator to help you determine how much you'd lower your energy bills by vanquishing your home of:

* "vampires" --- electronics sapping energy even when turned off;

* "ghosts" --- the sound of heat whooshing up an open chimney flue;

* "zombies" --- computers that continue to drain energy when not being used.

In addition to the estimates of how much you'd save in utility costs, Google has put together a list of links to more tips for trimming your usage.

These are just the kinds of projects to attack while working off a candy-corn-induced sugar high.

Mmm. Candy corn.

(photo: Liz)

 

Posted by Liz Kay at 6:20 AM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities
        

October 24, 2008

Party Like it's 1929 with Instructables.com

Party Like it's 1929The DIY-loving folks at Instructables.com have an interesting contest underway!

Given the state of the economy, they're looking for the best money-saving methods out there. 

As they say so eloquently themselves:

"Our grandparents and great-grandparents got through the Great Depression with the help of hundreds of little tricks to save money and live with less. We can do even better!

Maybe you're reusing, repurposing, or upcycling your old gear; maybe you're combining trips, hypermiling, or carpooling to save gas; maybe you're preserving produce from your garden. There are a million little things you can do to save money, and we want to see them!"

Enter your frugal ideas on the Web site to win a copy of The Best of Instructables and a Kill A Watt electricity usage monitor --- the better to measure the energy hoggin' appliances in your household! 

Whether it's an idea as intriguing as signing up Fido to be a dog blood donor ...

Continue reading "Party Like it's 1929 with Instructables.com" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 1:27 PM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities, Food, Greenies
        

Your Natural Gas Bills are Increasing this Winter

gasmeter.jpg Boy, I hate being the bearer of bad news, especially after yesterday's Comcast rate increase post, but I have to tell you that the American Gas Association said yesterday that consumers should expect a likely 10 to 30 percent increase in home-heating costs this winter.

Gas is the most common form of home-heat in the U.S. so this will likely hurt a lot of households, especially those in the Northeast and upper Midwest where the winter can be especially cold.

So how exactly will this affect you? It's hard to say since the increase will depend on two factors: how much gas you use to heat your home this winter and the price per unit that your utility paid to lock in its supply for the cold season.

Continue reading "Your Natural Gas Bills are Increasing this Winter" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:00 AM | | Comments (3)
Categories: Economy, Energy/Utilities
        

September 19, 2008

What to expect from the Constellation sale

 

Constellation sale

 

The purchase of Constellation Energy Group by Warren Buffett's MidAmerican Energy Holdings is big news in these parts.

But what changes are in store for Marylanders who are customers of Constellation's Baltimore Gas & Electric?

 

Continue reading "What to expect from the Constellation sale" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 11:05 AM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Economy, Energy/Utilities
        

September 11, 2008

Energy-saving tips from Consumer Reports

 

programmable thermostat
 

 

We here at Consuming Interests have shared a number of energy-saving tips in the past, but this month's issue of Consumer Reports has a number of unique ways to cut energy costs that I haven't seen before, for cooking, dealing with your hot water heater and more.

This fall I'll definitely be using my new-old slow cooker, which I bought off Craigslist. What logical advice --- that plugging in one appliance uses less energy than cooking on several burners, or the oven.

And slow cooking allows you to take advantage of cheaper cuts of meat that benefit from hours and hours of heat.

Also ... 

Continue reading "Energy-saving tips from Consumer Reports" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 1:52 PM | | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities, Greenies
        

August 14, 2008

Make money off smart energy

Are you looking for ways to cut your energy bill at home? Have you heard about BGE's new PeakRewards Program?

According to BGE's Web site, if you enroll in PeakRewards℠, you can save up to $100 per summer in your first year of participation in the program. You can also receive a one-time signing bonus of $50, $75 or $100 in your first year of participation, just for enrolling.

I know there's a lot of BGE hate out there because of the rising cost of energy, but don't let your emotions blind you from saving money and energy through this program. According to BGE:

Continue reading "Make money off smart energy" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:00 AM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities
        

July 28, 2008

Who's to Blame for high gas prices?

In a recent AAA Mid-Atlantic Web Poll that posed the question “Who’s to Blame for High Gas Prices?,” commodity speculators were ranked the No. 1 evil behind driving up gas prices.

Poll respondents also blamed Congress, Big Oil and unrest in the Middle East.

“It’s a question with no clear, concrete answer,” AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Ragina C. Averella said. “What is clear is that motorists are frustrated with increased costs and the lack of a near-term solution; thus creating plenty of blame to go around.”

Respondents were given seven choices and asked to pick only three. The list of choices followed by the percentage of people who selected each are:

Continue reading "Who's to Blame for high gas prices?" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 2:24 PM | | Comments (3)
Categories: Complaints, Energy/Utilities, Gas prices
        

AAA says gas prices will continue to drop

At the BP on Eastern Avenue where I filled up the tank yesterday, regular unleaded was selling for $3.89 (or $3.90 if you add in that 9/10s of a cent) a gallon.

How funny is it that I was actually excited about that?

AAA says that for the first time since June 7, the national average price of gasoline dropped below $4 a gallon on Saturday to $3.98, which is down 13 cents from the all-time record of $4.11.

Yesterday, the national average dropped another penny to $3.97.

Continue reading "AAA says gas prices will continue to drop" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:33 AM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities, Gas prices
        

July 7, 2008

Save on gas @ MyGallons.com?

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We're all looking to save money on gas. Short of not driving or limiting the amount of time we spend driving, Faithful Reader Bob and his lovely wife, Leslie, gave us a pretty interesting tip about MyGallons.com, which would allow you to lock in gas prices.

The way it works, you sign up for and pay an annual membership fee (the cost of annual membership is $29.95 when enrolling in the auto-refill program, which pre-purchases more fuel for your account when your balance drops below 15 gallons. Cost of annual membership is $39.95 for the manual refill program.) A MyGallons card will be sent to you.

Once you log in, you can access your account to see how many gallons of fuel you have available, your transaction history, th current price for purchasing more fuel, etc. You can also pre-purchase fuel to add to your account at the current price at that very moment in time.

The good thing behind that is that you could lock in a MyGallon price for as many filler ups as you want, while the actual price at the pump keeps climbing. Or you could be unfortunate enough to lock in a price and see real gas prices go down, I guess. At this rate, though, it doesn't really seem like prices are dropping.

Continue reading "Save on gas @ MyGallons.com?" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:00 AM | | Comments (5)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities, Gas prices
        

June 23, 2008

Nabbed for speeding? Pay police for fuel costs, too.

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If you plan on speeding in the Atlanta area, you better brace yourself for a fuel surcharge on that speeding ticket you got slapped with, too.

Under the "Here's something interesting about how high fuel prices are affecting us" category, MSNMoney is reporting that speeders in the Atlanta suburb of Holly Springs, Ga., will soon face a $12 "fuel fee" when the motorist is pulled over and ticketed. According to the law, $8 from every fine will go to fuel costs for the police department.

Apparently, the idea has gone over so well with city government types that Atlanta may not be far behind in adopting the practice and other jurisdictions in Florida and California are thinking about it, too.

Continue reading "Nabbed for speeding? Pay police for fuel costs, too." »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 3:08 PM | | Comments (1)
Categories: Energy/Utilities, Gas prices
        

Gas prices got you angry? Good. Tell Congress.

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Do your eyeballs pop out of your head every time you fill up the gas tank? Are you afraid to look at the price signs to see how much fuel is going to cost you next time you pull up to a pump? Do you need a release for some of that anger?

Settle down, people. I am NOT advocating violence.

ConsumerWatchDog, formerly The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, launched a campaign last week to get you to send a consumer letter to elected officials to let them know what each driver paid for the last fill-up, the price per gallon paid, and the family’s estimated monthly fuel bill.

The idea, CWD says, is to get the attention of "Washington’s elected officials, who rarely have to use their own money at the gas pump. With gasoline prices at or within a penny of their all-time highs, families are at the breaking point, while elected officials are in a bubble until they hear from constituents."

Continue reading "Gas prices got you angry? Good. Tell Congress." »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:00 AM | | Comments (1)
Categories: Complaints, Energy/Utilities, Gas prices
        

June 18, 2008

Gas Prices Drop... two tenths of a penny!

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After ten consecutive days of record breaking gas prices...

... get ready for it...this is big.........you're going to feel sooOOOoooo much richer....

The average cost of self-serve regular in Maryland fell two tenths of a penny today to $4.051 a gallon. According to AAA, this price is 35 percent or nearly $1.06 more for a gallon of gas compared to last year at this time.

AAA found that almost all metro areas throughout the state that are surveyed on gas prices are above $4 a gallon for gas on average. Salisbury is still the lowest in Maryland at an average $3.99 a gallon for self-serve regular gas.

Two-tenths of a penny. Gadzooks. Just think of all I'm saving at the pumps now. Where ever am I gonna spend it all?

But before you get too giddy about gas prices falling again, curb your enthusiasm, please.

Continue reading "Gas Prices Drop... two tenths of a penny!" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:48 AM | | Comments (2)
Categories: Energy/Utilities, Gas prices
        

June 5, 2008

Voice over Internet phone concerns

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Tuesday's column focused on the spread of Voice over Internet Protocol phone service, or VoIP as its better known, and the concerns behind relying on a telephone that you might not work when the power goes out or when your Internet service is interrupted.

While the popularity of VoIP has grown, I'm not altogether sure that consumers are aware of the possible drawbacks to using an Internet phone, which the column pointed out that calling emergency services can be problematic. Please remember that if you move your VoIP service, you must change your billing address AND your emergency address with your provider or your 911 call could get directed to the wrong emergency calling center.

Since I haven't tried to sign on for this service myself, I was really interested to hear from Frank Bonomo who told me about what he discovered when he jumped at a triple play offer:

Continue reading "Voice over Internet phone concerns" »

June 3, 2008

Castle Toyota/Scion, Sex, Cabbies, e-Recycling and Grease

The paper was chock full of consumer news today. In case you missed any of it because you're running errands, working too hard or sipping mid-day mojitos, I'll sum up for you because I'm incredibly thoughtful that way.

The paper's front page carried a few interesting consumer stories today.

* If you've ever tried hailing a cab in the city, you know how difficult that can be. It's only going to get harder. Gus Sentementes tells us about the ongoing struggle by taxi cab drivers to earn a living in a slow economy and skyrocketing gas prices.

sexandthecity.jpg

In an effort to save gas, the cabbies say they'll sit at taxi stands more instead of driving around looking for fares. Interesting fact, many cabbies pay $70 to $80 just for the use of the vehicle. Then they spend another $50 to $80 in fuel. If they're making $200 a day, that's not a whole lot of profit for working 12 to 16 hour days.

* Women are heading out in droves to see Sex and the City. Jill Rosen tells us women are dressing up, sipping Cosmos and then hitting the theaters with their girlfriends and sisters for 2-1/2 hours of female bonding. It's the girl power version of the Superbowl.  Me? I'm still trying to figure out a way in which I can watch Carrie Bradshaw and her SatC girls on the big screen with the sound off just so I can say, "What on earth is Sarah Jessica Parker wearing?!"

Continue reading "Castle Toyota/Scion, Sex, Cabbies, e-Recycling and Grease" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 12:27 PM | | Comments (1)
Categories: Energy/Utilities, Naughty businesses/NBotW, Odds & Ends
        

May 30, 2008

Gas-free Segway Commuting

Check out this excellent video shot by my good friend and colleague, Dynamic Doug Donovan.

Check out Randallstown resident Steve David commuting to his job downtown on a Segway (with an assist from the subway system). Check him out cruising on the road with cars with ease. Check him out on the elevator. Check out awesome David as he glides along the sidewalk, hand in pocket.

Beyond the fact that David just looks extremely cool, consider the fact that his initial investment for a Segway was $5,000.

Then add in the fact that David figures he's saving $1,200 a year on gas, not to mention the money he's saving on wear and tear on his car. Even better for environmental lovers out there, the 12-mile portion of David's Segway commute saves 8 pounds of carbon a day.

I just have two questions:

Continue reading "Gas-free Segway Commuting" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:23 AM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities, Greenies
        

May 21, 2008

Gas deals

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With gas prices running about $3.80 a gallon for regular unleaded, we knew sooner or later that smart businesses would start offering gas deals to coax consumers into choosing them over a competitor. Most of these deals can be found in hotel deals that are trying to lure you away from home.

Check out Expedia which is offering a $50 gas card to travelers who book a stay at a participating hotel for 3 or more nights. You have to book book by May 23, 2008, 11:59 PM Pacific, and complete travel by September 30, 2008.

BedandBreakfast.com has a list of "tanks a lot" deals from b&bs, some of which are offering as much as $50 gas cards for booking a stay. I can't find a Web site for it, but I've seen several news reports that Rehoboth Beach innkeepers are also offering free gas deals.

Benchmark Painting in Kensington, Md., is offering a $50 gas card for any job up to $500 or a $75 gas card for any job over $500. Offer expires Dec. 31, 2008.

Continue reading "Gas deals" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:07 AM | | Comments (1)
Categories: Energy/Utilities, Gas prices
        

May 16, 2008

Gas prices up, Memorial Day travel down

Retail gas prices hit record highs for a ninth day in a row, according to auto travelers group AAA, as the nationwide average for a gallon of regular unleaded hit $3.787, up from the previous high of $3.776.

Due to those high gas prices, AAA predicts that the nmber of Americans traveling during the Memorial Day holiday will drop compared to the previous year. This is the first decrease in Memorial Day travel projections and marks an indication of summer travel trends. 

About 37.87 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, AAA says, a decrease of nearly 360,000 travelers from last year's total.

AAA also expects that more travelers will stay closer to home this year, which means local tourist attractions could reap the benefits of higher gas prices.

I haven't made any vacation plans yet so I'm not sure how this affects me. Anyone out there changing their summer plans because of high gas prices?  

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:15 AM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Cars, Energy/Utilities, Travel
        

April 25, 2008

A Great(er) Depression: The end of cheap food, energy and credit

foodration.jpg

See those people there? It's a line for food rationing distributed by the United Nations World Food Programme in Nairobi.

The reason why I bring this up on a beautiful Friday morning is because reader PastorTim said something yesterday that depressed the heck out of me. On my post about rice rationing by Sam's Clubs because of concerns about shortages, he commented that:

This is only the start of food rations in the USA. We need to wake up to the times we are living in. We're in a Greater Depression.

As I keep telling you, I'm a worrier. So when I saw the Sam's Club story and read about retailers limiting consumer purchases of flour, rice and cooking oil, it made me worry. C'mon. I've been worried for awhile now... about the availability of wheat and now rice, rising food prices, rising gas prices, rising debt levels and of course, the mortgage crisis as documented by my terrific colleague Jamie and her Real Estate Wonk blog. 

Continue reading "A Great(er) Depression: The end of cheap food, energy and credit" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:00 AM | | Comments (7)
Categories: Budgeting, Cheap/Frugal, Debt, Energy/Utilities, Food, Gas prices, Shopping
        

April 1, 2008

Lower your energy bills

Drafty rooms? Too hot in the summer? Peeling paint?

Maryland Home Performance wants to make your house more comfortable --- and help you save money at the same time.

The program connects homeowners with licensed contractors who can conduct an energy audit and point out home improvements that would improve energy efficiency, lowering home heating and other utility bills.

Neither the audit or the improvements are free, but you could save 25 percent or more on your bills. After the audit you get a report with suggestions that you could then use to shop around.

And just to put it all in perspective, the Energystar Web site offers this calculator to see how your energy bills compare with other homeowners. 

Here are some of the things they examine in the audit:

Continue reading "Lower your energy bills" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 7:45 AM | | Comments (0)
        

January 18, 2008

If you didn't already know, deregulation stinks for customers

calvertcliffs.jpg Anyone else lose their appetite after reading Paul Adam's piece today on how Maryland's grand deregulation plan put the screws to consumers?

As much as I'd like to put all the blame on Constellation Energy, I have to remember they're a business. Their whole point of existence is to make money. As Gordon Gekko in the movie Wall Street says, "Greed is good."

The people I'd really like to pooch kick a few times (not physically, of course, since violence is bad!) are the elected officials who passed a seriously flawed deregulation law in 1999 for allowing this to happen.

Continue reading "If you didn't already know, deregulation stinks for customers" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 12:54 PM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

January 16, 2008

Fluorescent lights will NOT kill you

Commenter Mike of Sherwick Forest wrote recently on a post about a surcharge we're all paying on our electricity bills to get cheaper or free energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs:

The problem that I see with all of this is that there is no oversight of the PSC, and no consultation of the public. From an energy reduction standpoint the bulbs are great, but read the package and you'll wonder what genius came up with replacing a bulb whose only risk was cutting yourself if it broke. You will need an EPA HAZMAT team to clean up after these CFLs break.

I hear that complaint a lot, too, but I have to say, that's not entirely true. Yes, there is mercury in fluorescent lights. But no, not enough to need a HAZMAT team to come clean it up if the light breaks. Are there problems with CFLs? Sure. Some people don't think they're as bright as the incandescent bulbs. They don't work with dimmers, or at least none that I've seen. They're more expensive. But they're NOT hazardous to your health (not unless you decide to eat one or break a bunch of 'em up and roll around in it, I'm thinking).  

Here's what consumer writer Liz Kay wanted to share with everyone about CFLs, which I'm a heeeeUUUUGE fan of (really. As I told you before, I swapped almost all the lights in my house with 'em):

Continue reading "Fluorescent lights will NOT kill you" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:53 AM | | Comments (0)
Categories: Consumer protection, Energy/Utilities, How To
        

January 11, 2008

Need a light?

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My dear Mama just graduated from her cardiac therapy fitness class so we're celebrating in the hospital cafeteria with a couple bowls of tasty, tasty salad. She's come a long way so I'm proud of her.

She's the greatest mom, not just because she's so good to me, but also because she's patient enough to sit here and wait while I post to the blog! Is she cool or is she cool?

Did you catch new and terrific consumer reporter Liz Kay's story today on the surcharge we're all paying for a program for discounted or free fluorescent bulbs? I'm a fan of the bulbs (and switched over to them a couple years ago), but I had no idea I was paying a surcharge for this program in my utility bill!

That's outrageous! It's not that I'm opposed to contributing. I am, however, opposed to contributing to something I know nothing about and, as far as I'm aware, was never informed of very clearly.

Some people don't even LIKE the fluorescent bulbs. Why are we paying for something people might not even want or know they can get for free or discounted prices? 

It just goes to show you that our bills -- from telephone bills to electric bills -- are so confusing and filled with gobbledygook charges that we have no idea what we're paying for anymore. Who knows? I might be funding someone's personal jet airplane and I'd have no idea!

Anyone else not thrilled about this?

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 12:55 PM | | Comments (4)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

December 14, 2007

Ten Tips to save on your heating bills

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It's going to be cold this weekend. So these Top Ten Tips to Control Your Home's Heating Bills from the Edison Electric Insititute (a D.C.-based association of electric utilities) might be useful. Try to use some of them before you electric bill comes in the mail next month and blows your socks off.

To keep it mildly entertaining, I'll tell you which ones I do and then you can all yell at me about the others that I should be doing, too.

1. Lower your thermostat setting a degree or two (save up to 3 percent per degree on heating costs). I do this! I keep my house at a cool 68. What? It works, I tell you. Who needs heat? Actually, I do. I'm a cold weather wussy. I layer up like an eskimo indoors and out!

2. Regularly clean or replace the filter in your air conditioner and furnace (save up to 15 percent on annual energy costs). I do this, too!

3. Shut the door and vents in unused rooms (save up to 3 percent on heating costs). Geez. I am 3 for 3, so far! What can I say? I used to be this paper's energy reporter!

4. Lower the water heater's temperature to 120 degrees (save up to 10 percent on water heating costs; check temp with a thermometer under a tap). OK, I didn't do the thermometer thingy, but I did lower the temp on my water heater three years ago, right after the Glenn Thompson, fuel operation supervisor for the state's weatherization program, scolded me for not doing so.

Continue reading "Ten Tips to save on your heating bills" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:35 PM | | Comments (3)
Categories: Energy/Utilities, How To
        

December 4, 2007

Travieso warned electricity prices would rise 5 years ago

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I'm sure by now, you've read Paul Adam's very interesting story today in which the Public Service Commission predicts that there will be electricity shortages and rising prices in the future.

The PSC said, "In our view, it is not in the public interest to continue to rely exclusively on market forces to address Maryland's reliability concerns and the high wholesale electricity prices Marylanders pay."

In the story, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller says, "Over a decade ago, a number of states moved to see if competition would bring prices down. What started out as a noble cause - not fueled by lobbyists or special interests, but a desire to bring down rates - really didn't result in the same."

Funny. I got a real sense of deja vu all over again when I read this story since then-People's Counsel Michael J. Travieso said pretty much the same thing in a report his office issued in 2002 warning state legislators of the problems residential electricity customers would face. Read that story in the jump.

And I won't say anything about Miller's comments, except to point you to a story my colleagues, Thomas W. Waldron and Michael Dresser, wrote for the June 2, 1999, paper. That story on lobbyists and how much they spent on deregulation follows the first story after the jump.

Read both and decide for yourself who is to blame.

Continue reading "Travieso warned electricity prices would rise 5 years ago" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 5:11 PM | | Comments (1)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        
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