One week, we may find ourselves nearing 80 degrees. Within a day's notice, day-time temperatures can drop back down to the 50's and 60's-of course that is what you call Illinois weather. Unpredictable.
But once summer comes around, our electric bills can take a beating. On hot and humid days, we have our A/C's and central air units running. While they are running, the numbers on our meters just keep on spinning. Somewhere in the back of our minds, we are hearing the "Ca-ching" bell sounding or imagining the hole in our wallet growing bigger...
If you are a senior, have children under 3 in your household or are on disability, you may be eligible for the Summer LIHEAP Program. This often runs in the month of July. To find out if your area is offering it, contact your local outreach agency or community center. Seniors can contact their nearest senior center to question them too.
For households that don't meet these qualifications, you can try to keep your home cooler so that you don't have to let your electric bills sky-rocket.
Get creative and try some ways so that you can conserve energy to lower your electricity bills. On hot and humid days, keep your blinds and curtains closed. Use ceiling fans to rotate the air. Set your thermostat at one temperature so that your unit does not continue to run. Try setting it to temperatures between 70 and 72. Also, stay hydrated and drink plenty of water! Use ice packs to place on parts of your body that are warm. Or --go jump in a pool somewhere to cool off. If you don't want to use your own electricity, go to the mall and hang out there where it will be nice and cool-or perhaps the library.
If you are really having trouble with your utility bills, try speaking with the customer representatives and be honest about your situation. Tell them why you are having trouble (such as unexpected car repairs, medical bills or you have been laid off from work). Most commonly, if you have always been good about making payments, they will work with you on a payment plan. The worst that you can do is ignore the electric company. Be upfront and honest, and they just might work with you...
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