Homeowners can lessen costs of energy

SOMERSET — Residents might be able to get a smaller increase in electric rates come next January than they otherwise might.

OnDemand Energy Solutions of suburban Pittsburgh aspires to work with Chambers of Commerce in Greater Johnstown to buy power in bulk for Penelec residents, passing the savings on to homeowners.

The company already is doing just that in PPL’s service area.

Rates went up Jan. 1 but, for OnDemand customers, not as high as they would have otherwise.

The hitch is that any discounts only would be available to employees of companies working through the Chamber of Commerce, said John Bodine, OnDemand vice president. The program is not available yet.

The latest estimates call for Penelec rates to rise 24 percent with the Jan. 1 deregulation.

“There are two ways to try to lessen costs:?On the supply side, with the lowest kilowatt hour (price), and to be on the lookout for energy-efficient incentives via Act 129,” he said. Bodine addressed residential costs after delivering a 90-minute class teaching businesses how to cut power costs.

Act 129 of 2008 mandates that electric companies cut overall use of power by customers by 1 percent by May 2011 and by 3 percent by May 2013.

The law will be enforced by potentially millions in dollars in fines that the state may levy against utilities, said Scott Surgeoner, spokesman for FirstEnergy, Penelec’s parent company.

“If you and I were each to make a series of small changes – not lifestyle changes – that 1 and 3 percent is totally realistic across the state of Pennsylvania,” Surgeoner said.

He suggested that people use fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent, fans instead of air conditioning, close blinds during summer when the sun is hot, and switch to programmable thermostats and Energy Star appliances.

If Penelec’s incentives are approved by the Public Utility Commission, the company could offer rebates on programmable thermostats and efficient appliances. PUC approval is expected within weeks.

Rebates would be retroactive to Jan. 1 of this year, at least, Surgeoner said.

Free home energy audits – energy use analyses – would be available on the Internet, he said.

Customers will know of these programs through fliers in with their electric bills, separate mailings and local workshops.

As for kilowatt-hour cost comparisons between utilities, they can be found on the Web site of the Office of Consumer Advocate, Surgeoner said. That site is oca.state.pa.us.

By BERNIE HORNICK
The Tribune-Democrat

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