Missouri Public Service Commission Summer Energy Saving Tips

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - As summer approaches, the hot weather months may present challenges for many consumers who struggle to cool their homes.

The Missouri Public Service Commission offers some suggestions on how to save on energy usage and reduce your bill:

Cooling
• Make sure furniture and draperies are not blocking cooling outlets. Blocked outlets restrict air circulation, overwork the cooling equipment, and increase operating costs.
• Use ceiling fans to assist in cooling. In the summer, blades should rotate counterclockwise when viewed from below.
• Make sure your air conditioner filter is clean and replace filters as needed.
• Consider installing a smart thermostat, which are Wi-Fi enabled devices that automatically adjust your home's heating and cooling, allowing for remote control and energy savings. They connect to your home's internet network and can be managed through a smartphone app or web interface.
• Consider whether a time-based rate plan that adjusts electricity prices based on the time of day the energy is used is a good option for your household. For additional information on available rate plans,  contact your utility provider.

Living Areas
• Caulk and weather strip doors and windows that leak air.
• Add insulation and seal air leaks to help keep the cool air inside.
• Close drapes, shades and blinds during the day to keep the sunlight from heating up your home.
• Turn off lights when they are not needed.
• Turn off computers, monitors, printers and televisions during periods of non-use. These devices use energy even when in stand-by mode.

Kitchen / Laundry
• Vacuum the coils of your refrigerator and check for frost buildup in refrigerators and freezers, which causes an appliance to work harder.
• Try to wash full loads in the dishwasher, and use the short cycle. Consider washing clothes in cold water with a cold-water detergent.
• Use your microwave, toaster oven, slow cooker, broiler oven or other energy-saving appliances for cooking food.
• Turn down the temperature on your water heater.
• Cover pans when cooking on a stove top and use exhaust fans periodically, as required, to reduce indoor humidity.
• Avoid using extension cords with appliances as they can reduce the efficiency of the appliance.

The PSC regulates investor-owned water, sewer, natural gas, electric and steam utilities. The PSC also has limited jurisdiction over telecommunications providers in Missouri. The PSC works to ensure Missouri citizens receive safe, reliable and reasonably priced utility services. If you have an inquiry, billing question or service-related issue that your utility provider cannot answer, please call the PSC at 1-800-392-4211 or visit psc.mo.gov.