SCE&G Electric Customers Set New Energy Usage Record
Jan 05, 2018 12:46PM ● By Emily Stevenson
SCE&G electric customers set a new electricity usage record Wednesday as the extreme cold temperatures throughout the state drove up demand. Customers used more than 103,700 megawatt hours (MWH) of electricity, surpassing the previous usage record of 101,118 MWH set in 2014.
SCE&G continues to closely monitor its system to ensure customers receive reliable power during this period of severe cold weather, but with record usage comes the potential for increased customer bills. SCE&G encourages customers to continue to reduce their energy usage by following these tips:
• Set thermostats to 68°F or lower (each degree higher can significantly increase heating costs).
• Open blinds and shades during the day to let in sunshine.
• Check air filters monthly and change when dirty.
• Ensure HVAC vents are open and unobstructed.
• Caulk around windows, replace old weather stripping around doors to keep cold air out.
• Check ductwork periodically for leaks or tears and repair as necessary.
For more energy efficiency tips, visit www.sceg.com/energytips.
“One way many of our customers manage weather-related fluctuations in their bills is by enrolling in our Budget Billing program,” said Sam Dozier, SCE&G vice president of customer service. “If a customer has lived at the same location for more than 12 months, they can enroll. We review the customer’s usage history and project charges for the next 12 months. We then spread that amount into 12 equal, monthly payments.”
For more information about SCE&G’s Budget Billing program, visit www.sceg.com/budgetbilling.
SCE&G’s customer assistance group is dedicated to helping customers who are facing economic difficulties. Available services include personal home visits, arranging for free home-energy checkups, and helping customers find and apply for local assistance programs.
“We’re dedicated to serving our customers and meeting their needs,” said Cristina Freeman, SCE&G customer assistance program manager. “We encourage customers to call us or visit our website to learn about their options through our customer assistance programs. We can provide a wealth of information about one-time assistance programs as well as longer-term assistance options.”
For more information about SCE&G’s customer assistance programs, visit www.sceg.com/assistance or call Customer Service at 1-800-251-7234.
SCE&G continues to closely monitor its system to ensure customers receive reliable power during this period of severe cold weather, but with record usage comes the potential for increased customer bills. SCE&G encourages customers to continue to reduce their energy usage by following these tips:
• Set thermostats to 68°F or lower (each degree higher can significantly increase heating costs).
• Open blinds and shades during the day to let in sunshine.
• Check air filters monthly and change when dirty.
• Ensure HVAC vents are open and unobstructed.
• Caulk around windows, replace old weather stripping around doors to keep cold air out.
• Check ductwork periodically for leaks or tears and repair as necessary.
For more energy efficiency tips, visit www.sceg.com/energytips.
“One way many of our customers manage weather-related fluctuations in their bills is by enrolling in our Budget Billing program,” said Sam Dozier, SCE&G vice president of customer service. “If a customer has lived at the same location for more than 12 months, they can enroll. We review the customer’s usage history and project charges for the next 12 months. We then spread that amount into 12 equal, monthly payments.”
For more information about SCE&G’s Budget Billing program, visit www.sceg.com/budgetbilling.
SCE&G’s customer assistance group is dedicated to helping customers who are facing economic difficulties. Available services include personal home visits, arranging for free home-energy checkups, and helping customers find and apply for local assistance programs.
“We’re dedicated to serving our customers and meeting their needs,” said Cristina Freeman, SCE&G customer assistance program manager. “We encourage customers to call us or visit our website to learn about their options through our customer assistance programs. We can provide a wealth of information about one-time assistance programs as well as longer-term assistance options.”
For more information about SCE&G’s customer assistance programs, visit www.sceg.com/assistance or call Customer Service at 1-800-251-7234.