Saving in the Kitchen this Summer
Many of our blog visitors may already be on an hourly electricity rate through ComEd’s Hourly Pricing program or Ameren Illinois’ Power Smart Pricing (PSP) program. Good for you! Hourly pricing allows you to pay market-based prices for electricity. That means shifting your electricity usage to lower priced hours can lower your bills. Further, reducing your electricity use during peak demand times eases stress on the system, which makes service more reliable for you and your neighbors and helps lower greenhouse gas emissions. Triple win!
As the administrator of Illinois’ two hourly electricity programs, we’re focused on ensuring that participants benefit and save. During the summer months, one way to manage electricity costs is to reduce usage between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, particularly on hot days, and to shift some of your usage to nights and weekends.
Kitchen Tips
The kitchen is a great place to start. Even if you’re not on an hourly rate option, these tips will help reduce your household energy use and keep your kitchen cooler and more comfortable this summer.
- Avoid using electric ovens and stoves during high price times.
- Remember that a microwave will heat small portions more efficiently.
- Vacuum your refrigerator’s coils and don’t leave the fridge door open longer than necessary.
- Run the dishwasher when electricity prices are lower, use the energy-saver or no-heat dry setting, and only run full loads of dishes.
- Keep a coffee maker or blender on the kitchen counter? Unplug it when not in use. Many electronics and appliances use stand-by or “vampire” power even when they are turned off.
- And, of course, enjoy no-cook meals or grill outside to avoid heating up the kitchen on hot days.
- Other tips? Let us know what you do to save in the kitchen this summer!
Is Hourly Pricing for Me?
Curious if hourly pricing is a good fit for you this summer and beyond? Check out these helpful videos on ComEd ‘s Hourly Pricing and Ameren Power Smart Pricing or get in touch with us directly at (773) 269-4037.
