OKLAHOMA CITY – With triple-digit temperatures in the forecast for this week several days, OG&E is offering tips, tools and programs to help customers stay cool while using energy more efficiently. While there’s no call for customers to reduce their electricity or take any action, here are a few ways customers can reduce their energy use immediately:
- Shifting your energy usage away from the hottest part of the day can make a big difference.
- Raise your thermostat a few degrees, if you can stay comfortable. Each degree a thermostat is raised can save up to 3% on energy costs.
- Keep air moving in the house by using fans. A ceiling fan uses as much electricity as a light bulb – and far less energy than an A/C unit.
- Close curtains and blinds on southand west-facing windows.
- Use a slow cooker, air fryer, or outdoor grill.
- If you or your family need relief from the heat, there are designated Cool Zones across our service area. Find a list of locations at OGE.com/CoolZones.
“When temperatures climb, customers typically use more energy and may see higher monthly bills as air conditioners work overtime to combat extreme heat,” said Sheradee Hurst, OG&E public relations manager.
“From personalized energy insights to billing plans to efficiency programs and financial assistance, OG&E provides resources to help customers stay comfortable and manage energy costs through the summer.“
Available tools and programs include:
- Energy Insights, which provide personalized information about home energy use, and recommendations so you can better manage how you use energy and your budget. Learn more at OGE.com/ EnergyInsights.
- Average Monthly Billing, which helps smooth seasonal bill fluctuations by spreading costs more evenly throughout the year.
- SmartHours, a voluntary pricing program that rewards customers who reduce electricity use during peak summer hours.
- Guaranteed Flat Bill, a budgeting solution which allows customers to pay the same amount for their electric service every month for a calendar year.
- Energy efficiency programs and rebates that can help eligible customers improve their home‘s efficiency.
Customers experiencing financial hardship may qualify for payment assistance and energy-saving home improvements through community and OG&E assistance programs. Eligible customers can receive a $13 monthly credit through the Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP). In addition, customers who receive Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits qualify for up to $3,000 in home energy efficiency upgrades at no out-of-pocket cost, helping reduce energy use and lower future bills.