Save energy and stay warm this winter

November 18, 2021

Predictions for a colder winter and an increase in natural gas prices could mean higher heating bills for customers. AES Indiana wants to remind customers of several tips, tools and resources that can help them prepare their homes and businesses now for what could be a chilling impact on their winter bills.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts U.S. households will spend 54% more for propane, 43% more for heating oil, 30% more for natural gas, and 6% more for electric heating. The increase in natural gas consumption for electric power production and other sectors and increased market pricing is expected to impact utility bills this winter.

Heating and cooling account for more than half of customers’ overall energy bills. When the cold weather hits, customers can stay comfortable with these energy saving solutions that will help lower energy bills. Many don’t cost a thing and can make a real difference, while others will pay off in the long run.

• Weather-strip your windows and doors – Between 7-12% of a building’s heating and cooling loss occurs around windows and doors. Installing foam-backed tape around windows and doors is an easy and inexpensive way to keep chilly temperatures outside.
• Clean furnace filters each month, replace filters at least every three months and have a professional check-up each year. Upgrade your old heating system to a new, efficient model. A new system can save you $150 or more per year in energy costs.
• Install a programmable or Wi-Fi enabled thermostat – Installing a programmable thermostat is an excellent way to reduce wasted energy overnight and while you’re out of the house. Proper use can save you about $180 per year in energy costs.
• If you don’t have a programmable or Wi-Fi enabled thermostat, set your thermostat to 70° or lower when home and lower when you are asleep or away.
• Let the sun do the work – Open blinds on all south-facing windows to let the sun naturally heat your home during the day. Particularly for those spending more time at home these days, this prevents you from having to run the heat 24/7 and will save you from having to turn on additional lights.
• Switch your bulbs – Replace incandescent light bulbs with more efficient LED light bulbs, which use less energy and save money — especially since you are likely home more often and have the lights on during the colder months of the year.

AES Indiana understands that high winter bills can be a financial challenge for its customers, which is why the company offers billing and payment resources for those who need additional support:

• Indiana’s Energy Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low-income households to maintain utility services during the winter heating season. Electric service is protected from disconnection.
• AES Indiana’s emergency relief fund, Power of Change, provides one-time assistance for income-qualified customers who have an outstanding balance of at least $50 and have received a disconnection notice.
• Customers who meet income requirements can receive FREE in-home energy assessments and home upgrades that can help decrease your energy bills and increase your comfort.
• AES Indiana also offers its customers flexible payment options, such as budget billing, payment extensions and preferred bill date.

AES Indiana is committed to serving customers at the lowest fuel cost reasonably possible. If customers have questions or concerns about their bills, they are encouraged to contact AES Indiana for support by calling 317-261-8222. For more winter savings tips and resources, visit aesindiana.com/cold-weather-tips.

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About AES Indiana

AES Indiana, an AES Company, provides retail electric service to more than 500,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Indianapolis, as well as portions of other Central Indiana communities surrounding Marion County. During its long history, AES Indiana has supplied its customers with some of the lowest-cost, most reliable power in the country. For more information about the company, please connect with AES Indiana on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. For more information about how AES Indiana is accelerating the future of energy, visit aesindiana.com/hellofuture.