Save Money on Your WE Energies Bill with a Time of Use Program
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy bill, it’s worth your time to explore the three Time of Use programs offered by WE Energies. In a Time of Use program energy prices are lower during off-peak hours and prices are higher when demand is high.
WE Energies offers three levels for Wisconsin customers to choose from. When comparing the three levels versus your current billing, keep in mind the standard cost per killowatt-hour (kwh) is $0.12611 at this time.
Level 1 - The off-peak cost of electricity is 9 cents per kwh. On-peak price is 19 cents per kwh. This is a good level to get familiar with the program.
Level 2- The off-peak cost of electricity is 5 cents per kwh. On-peak price is 25 cents per kwh.
With Levels 1 and 2, customers have four options of how their on-peak hours are defined:
- 7am to 7pm
- 8am to 8pm
- 9am to 9pm
- 10am to 10pm
According to WE Energies, Level 1 may be best for customers who can shift 53% to 62% of their electricity use to off-peak hours, do not have many large electric appliances, and do not have electric heat. WE Energies suggests that Level 2 may be best for customers who can shift over 62% of power usage to off-peak hours and have many electric appliances.
Level 3 is a pilot plan for residential customers in effect through January 1, 2011. According to WE Energies, this level has on-, mid- and off-peak periods with prices that vary by season. This level offers the greatest potential savings if used correctly, but it also has high risk if you use too much on-peak electricity. Therefore, it may be wise for customers interested in time of use programs to get acquainted with the program by using Level 1 and Level 2 before moving on to Level 3. Click here to see all the details on Level 3.
To enroll in one of WE Energies Time of Use residential programs, call WE Energies at 800-242-9137. Commercial customers can obtain more information on their options by calling WE Energies at 800-714-7777.
Related posts:
- How to Get a $50 Credit on Your WE Energies Bill
- WE Energies Budget Billing
- Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program
Tips on Buying a New Dehumidifier
Now that the weather is getting warmer in Wisconsin, it is more likely that households will start running their dehumidifiers on a regular basis. This is a good time for homeowners to inspect their dehumidifier and to determine if the purchase of a new, energy-efficient dehumidifier makes economic sense.
As we discussed last June, according to the WE Energies Appliance Calculator, the estimated cost to operate a standard dehumidifier is about $25 a month! Using an Energy Star dehumidifier could save you about $7.50 a month. Assuming you use a dehumidifier four months out of the year, annual savings would be about $28. And, don’t forget, WE Energies rates went up in 2010 and are projected to continue increasing in 2011.
Consumer Reports suggests purchasing a model that scored the best efficiency ratings in their test, and to purchase the largest-capacity dehumidifier that you can afford because it will work quicker and more efficiently than a smaller unit. Subscribers of Consumer Reports can utilize their dehumidifier buying guide. A free overview from Consumer Reports (dated June 2008) can be found here.
Energy Star also has an informative webpage with information on specifications of Energy Star dehumidifiers, buying guidance, and frequently asked questions.
Wondering where to purchase a dehumidifier? Local stores such as Sears, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. are all good options. Although models tend to vary from store to store, making exact comparisons difficult, it is helpful to do some comparison shopping online before stepping into a store. The #1 sales ranked dehumidifier on Amazon.com right now is a Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier currently pricing at $185 with free super saver shipping. The same dehumidifier is currently on sale at Best Buy for $179.99 but standard shipping is $30.42. However, the nice thing about Best Buy is you can buy online, and pickup in your local Best Buy store.
Have any advice to share with our readers about your experiences with dehumidifiers? If so, please leave a comment.
We regularly feature energy savings tips to help Milwaukee area consumers reduce their utility bill. Follow this link to see all of our previous energy savings tips.
Application Deadlines for the Wisconsin Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program
Focus On Energy has released an update for Wisconsin’s State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP). As we mentioned in last weeks energy post, funds are expected to run out by the end of this month. The cash-back rebates are available only while funds last and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
According to Focus on Energy, the end dates for the SEEARP Rewards are:
Clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers
- Appliances must be purchased by April 30, 2010
- Applications must be received by May 31, 2010
Solar Hot-Water Heaters
- Application forms must be received by April 30, 2010 for pre-approval.
Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment
- Installation must be completed by May 15, 2010
- Application forms must be received by June 15, 2010
On Wednesdays we highlight an energy savings tip to help Milwaukee area consumers reduce their utility bill. Follow this link to see all of our previous energy savings tips.
