Encourage Energy Conservation
'Even though we reduced our base rates and lowered customers' bills by 7 percent last year, higher fuel costs this year unfortunately have more than offset those savings for our customers,' said Bill Hamilton, vice president of customer service for FPL.
FPL reports that beginning with bills mailed on July 31, residential customers will pay 14 percent more than last year if their usage of electricity remains the same. 'We encourage our customers to lower their usage to help control the impact of these higher fuel costs on their bills,'Hamilton said.
Due to higher costs for oil and natural gas used to fuel FPL power plants, the Florida Public Service Commission last month adjusted the fuel clause portion of the electric utility's rates. Fuel costs are passed directly to FPL customers, with no profit added for the company. The fuel clause portion of the electric bill is adjusted periodically, recognizing fuel price fluctuations in the market.
FPL encourages customers to take advantage of the company's free Budget Billing program. Budget Billing helps customers on fixed incomes -- and others wishing to minimize the impact of higher summer temperatures -- level-out their bills over a 12-month period. FPL makes it easy and convenient to sign-up for Budget Billing on the company's Web site or by phone.
To help customers take control of energy use this summer, the company suggests implementing these low-cost and no-cost conservation ideas for maximum savings:
-- Set the a/c thermostat to 78 degrees with the fan set on
'auto.'For additional savings, raise the thermostat to 82
degrees or higher when you're away from home. Air conditioning
usually accounts for the largest part of the home electric
bill especially during summer months.
-- Check or change your air conditioner's filter monthly. This
will help your air conditioning unit operate at peak
efficiency.
-- Install a low-cost programmable thermostat to set the air
conditioner to a higher temperature while you're out of the
house and return it to a cooler setting just before you return
so you're not wasting energy and money cooling the house while
everyone is away at work.
-- Turn off your ceiling fan when you leave the room. One ceiling
fan operating non-stop for a month will cost about $7. Use
ceiling fans to cool rooms that are occupied, and adjust the
air conditioner's thermostat to a higher setting.
-- Limit the time the pool pump runs to six hours a day during
the summer.
These additional tips can help increase savings even more:
-- Close interior drapes, blinds or other window treatments to
reduce heat gain, especially during the hottest time of day.
-- Adjust the water level on your washing machine to best match
the load size, especially when using hot water. Always use a
cold rinse.
-- Use the auto sensor function on your dryer, if you have one,
to conserve energy by not over-drying your clothes. For
additional savings, clean the lint filter in your dryer before
every load to dry your clothes faster.
FPL reports average residential customer usage of electricity has increased by more than 7 percent over the last five years. Hamilton added, 'Even though usage has increased and we've had steady growth in new customers, FPL expects to have an adequate supply of power this summer and beyond.'
FPL also offers free home energy surveys and rebates on more energy efficient equipment. Features of the home energy survey include a check of the home's attic insulation and air conditioning. FPL offers an online and telephone version of the home energy survey, too. These programs are available by calling 1-800-DIAL-FPL or by visiting the company's Web site at http://www.FPL.com.
Florida Power &Light Company is the principal subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE:FPL), nationally known as a high quality, efficient and customer-driven organization focused on energy-related products and services. With annual revenues of more than $8 billion and a growing presence in 24 states, FPL Group is widely recognized as one of the country's premier power companies. Florida Power &Light Company serves more than 4 million customer accounts in Florida. FPL Energy, Inc., FPL Group's energy-generating subsidiary, is a leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable fuels. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://www.FPL.com, http://www.FPLGroup.com and http://www.FPLEnergy.com.
Comments only for registered users