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Rod Wilson

Pepco Offers Important Energy Saving Tips and Energy Assistance Information for Customers as Winter Season Kicks into High Gear

Company encourages customers to take steps to manage energy use

and seek energy bill assistance if needed

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 21, 2022) — Winter is officially here. As even colder temperatures can be expected through the coming months, leading to increased energy usage and potentially higher bills, Pepco is committed to helping all customers use less energy by providing energy efficiency information to help keep bills as low as possible this winter season. The company also continues to encourage customers to take advantage of millions of dollars in energy assistance available across the District of Columbia and Maryland.

Pepco recognizes customers may use more energy than expected as temperatures get colder, and some continue with a hybrid or remote work schedule. Pepco offers the following tips to help reduce energy use and costs:

  • Check your thermostat. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter, if health permits. You can save about two percent on your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat. When you are asleep or out of the house, try turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours to save approximately 10 percent on your heating bill. Consider investing in a smart thermostat that can connect to your mobile devices, helping you stay on top of your energy usage.
  • Unplug your devices. Mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices will continue to use energy after they are fully charged.
  • Adjust your blinds. Keep your blinds up during the day to capture the radiant heating benefits of the sun. Close your blinds and curtains after the sun goes down to keep the cold air out and the heat in.
  • Install energy-efficient light bulbs. Energy-efficient LED bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs.
  • Check for air leaks. Check the ductwork for air leaks about once a year if you have a forced-air heating system. To do this, feel around the duct joints for escaping air when the fan is on.
  • Insulate your home. Trap escaping air from windows and doors by using caulking or weather-stripping around leaky areas, install storm windows in winter and close chimney flues.
  • Adjust hot water heater. Lowering the temperature on your water heater/hot water tank can help save money and energy.
  • Dust or vacuum radiators. Dust and grime impede the flow of heat. Keeping radiators clean helps maintain their efficiency.
  • Maintain home heating equipment. Have your heating equipment serviced periodically by a professional service representative.
  • Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances, electronics, and other products. ENERGY STAR® products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Customers can also manage their bill through My Account, Pepco's online energy management tool that shows how much energy a customer is using. The bill-to-date feature lets customers know what the bill costs are at any time during the month, and provides tips based on their energy-saving goals. This tool is available for customers at pepco.com/MyAccount.

Pepco is committed to helping to keep every customer connected by offering payment arrangements as well as programs that can help customers manage their monthly energy bill, including Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period. The company also offers energy efficiency programs and energy-saving information to help customers reduce their energy usage. Information regarding these programs can be found at pepco.com/WaysToSave.

The company is continuing to connect customers who may be facing financial challenges with available energy assistance resources. In addition to Pepco's programs, the company works with community and government partners to get funding into the hands of those customers who need it most to help meet their energy needs. Customers can visit pepco.com/EnergyAssistance or call 202-833-7500 to learn more about energy assistance programs and services.

To learn more about Pepco, visit The Source, Pepco's online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting pepco.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/PepcoConnect on Twitter at twitter.com/PepcoConnect. Pepco's mobile app is available at pepco.com/MobileApp.

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