Pepco Reminds Customers of Programs to Help Manage Utility Bills

Company offers energy savings tips to help customers save money

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 18, 2018) – The District of Columbia and Maryland experienced colder than normal temperatures recently resulting in Pepco customers using more energy and seeing higher than normal bills. Pepco reminds customers to take advantage of energy assistance programs funded by the company and available through the District and Maryland.

In the District of Columbia residents can take advantage of the following programs:

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding is available as a one-time energy assistance benefit once a year from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.
The Residential Aid Discount Program (RAD) is a year-round program that provides a discount for eligible customers.
For more information, customers can apply online at doee.dc.gov/udp or call 311 to schedule an in-person appointment.

In addition to LIHEAP, Maryland residents can also take advantage of the following programs:

The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), which provides assistance for residential heating bills. Limited assistance is available to replace broken or inefficient furnaces.
The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) assists eligible low-income customers with their electric bills. Assistance is available whether you are an active customer or you are currently without service.
The Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) protects low-income families from utility cut-offs and allows MEAP eligible households to enter into a year-round unfluctuating monthly payment program with their utility company.

Colder weather and increased energy use can sometimes be a challenge. Pepco will work with customers who may have difficulty in paying their electric bill. The company offers payment options, like budget billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period

to help customers manage their monthly electricity costs. Customers who may be struggling to make a payment should contact Pepco as soon as possible at 1-202-833-7500.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts that January through March 2018 will still be warmer than average despite the frigid start. This creates potential opportunities for customers to save energy and balance against periods of higher use by following these simple energy-saving tips:

Adjust Your Thermostat Temperature Down: When you are at home and awake, set your thermostat as low as it is comfortable for you. When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat down 10° to 15° for eight hours and save around 10 percent a year on your heating bills. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature. If you have a heat pump, maintain a moderate setting or use a programmable thermostat specially designed for use with heat pumps.
Lower Your Water Heating Costs: Water heating accounts for about 18 percent of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F) and save.
Maintain Your Heating Systems: Most of your cold weather energy expenses are related to heating your home. Schedule service for your heating system to find out what maintenance is required to keep your system operating efficiently.
Take Advantage of the Sun’s Heat: Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and then close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
Use Your Ceiling Fan: You can reverse the motor and airflow direction of ENERGY STAR® certified ceiling fans to operate the fan year-round. In the winter, reverse the motor and operate the ceiling fan clockwise at low speed to produce a gentle updraft that forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space.
Use Energy Efficient Lighting: Install efficient LED bulbs to reduce lighting costs year-round.
Quick Home Energy Check-up: This is a fast, easy and free way to increase the energy efficiency of your home and help you start saving immediately. When you schedule a Check-up, an energy efficiency professional will come to your home and identify simple ways to help save energy and money. Visit homeenergysavings.pepco.com/quick-home-energy-check-up-program to schedule.