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Energy Conservation Tips While You Stay Home to Stay Healthy

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On April 2, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee extended the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order through May 4, 2020. This decision was made to protect Washingtonians and ensure we are working together to flatten the curve. The City of Seattle has many resources for those that are financially impacted by COVID-19 including utility bill assistance and new unemployment eligibility.

With most of us now spending more time in our homes, it’s important to be mindful of our electricity usage.

General Tips

  • Turn off lights and use as much natural light as possible. This will not only save electricity, but the sunshine is good for you, too!
  • Use efficient heating and cooling practices. Put on a sweater or slippers before turning up the heat, and open a window before turning on fans. You can also save energy by only heating or cooling the room you’re in.
  • Beware of phantom loads. Many electronics draw power even when they are switched off, which could add an extra 10% to your monthly utility bill. Unplug devices when you aren’t using them. You also can use smart power strips that have features like timers and activity monitors that make it easy to save energy.
  • Stream content on the smallest device that makes sense for the number of people watching. Avoid streaming on game consoles, which can use 10 times more power than a tablet or laptop. Streaming content with electronic equipment that has earned ENERGY STAR certification will use 25%–30% less energy than standard equipment.

Telecommuting

Telecommuting often has large environmental benefits including cutting down on carbon emissions from commute travel. However, working from home can increase your home’s current electricity consumption. The following tips can help you save energy when using computers, office equipment, and electronics while working from home:

  • Turn off computers and other equipment when they aren’t in use.
  • Use power management settings on computers and monitors, which will send your equipment into low-power “sleep modes” after periods of inactivity. Avoid using screen savers. Smart power strips can prevent peripheral electronics from drawing energy when they aren’t being used.
  • Unplug battery chargers when the batteries are fully charged, or the chargers are not in use.

If you have found ways to conserve at home, we want to hear from you. We’re all in this together, so let us know on Twitter or Facebook!

Take Action Now to Lower Your Winter Bill

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When the Seattle area sees a cold snap (and especially when the cold weather bring snow), residents spend more time indoors, running their heat to stay warm and engaging with electronics to stay amused. When the temperature gets below freezing, many City Light customers see an increase in their next bill.

A City Light truck en route to make repairs during one of the snowstorms of February 2019.

Multiple factors contribute to higher winter energy costs, especially as the shorter days result in longer hours inside the home. While heating continues to be the leading use of energy in the home, electronics have overtaken water heating as the second largest block of energy consumption. Large LED TVs, game consoles, space heaters and hair dryers can really add to your bi-monthly electric bill.

For instance, using a space heater costs on average of $1 a day; that’s $60 added to a bi-monthly bill. Using a hair dryer more frequently could tack on an extra $10. Even when electronics are turned off but plugged in, they may be consuming electricity.

You have the power to reduce your energy consumption and save money in winter weather. Get information and tools to help you save energy and money—and even take a quiz on your energy knowledge—here. Or, read on to see how you can take your power back.


If You Rent Your Home

If you’re living in a rental, you’re not alone. In fact, our survey data shows us that 52 percent of our customers are renters. It also tells us that 98 percent of customers living in multifamily buildings are using electric heat.

Save money by making sure to proactively turn off lights and electronics when they aren’t in use, by replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LEDs and by taking shorter showers. Play a game of Uno or read a book instead of playing Xbox. Use more energy-efficient cooking methods and stop drafts in your home by making a DIY draft-stopper.

Not which electronics are drawing the most power? Use the table below or check out a Kill-A-Watt from the Seattle Public Library to test your devices yourself.

Electric item kWh x rate (annual consumption) Cost for annual consumption Bi-Monthly Bill
Video Console Xbox one) 360.93 x .12 $43.32 $7.22
Cable Box w/ DVR 213.40 x .12 $25.61 $4.27
Hair Dryer 477.49 x .12 $57.30 $9.55
Toaster w/ slots 201 x .12 $24.12 $4.02
Coffee maker single cup 730 x .12 $87.60 $14.60
Microwave 54.31 x .12 $6.52 $1.09
Slow Cooker 24 x .12 $2.88 .48
Laptop with charger (macbook) 46 x .12 $5.52 .92
Printer 66 x .12 $7.92 $1.32
Space heater 542 x .12 $65.42 Winter months ($60)
Blu-ray player 18.44 x .12 $2.21 .37
Electric toothbrush 14.18 x .12 $1.70 .28
Electric blanket 288 x .12 $34.56 $5.76
Vacuum 298.57 x .12 $35.83 $5.97
Air Conditioner (stand-up) 365 x .12 $43.80 Summer ($40)
Popcorn maker 42 x .12 $5.04 .84
Television 69.74 x .12 $8.36 $1.39
Refrigerator 387 x .12 $46.44 $7.74
Dishwasher w/ electric water heat 270 x .12 $32.40 $5.40
Washing Machine w/ electric water heat 286 x .12 $34.32 $5.72
Dryer 769 x .12 $92.28 $15.38
Electric heat
Electric water heat 1906 x .12 $228.72 $38.12
Nintendo Wii (2006) 104.36 x. 12 $12.52 $2.08
iPad 7.10 x .12 .85 .14
iPhone 2.79 x. 12 .33 .06$
Oven 355 x .12 $42.6 $7.10
Cooktop 121.20 x .12 $14.54 $2.42
VCR 18.60 x .12 $2.23 .37


If You Own Your Home

If you own your home, all of the above applies to you, but you also have other options to increase your energy conservation. You can run a DIY Energy Audit to identify where you can save electricity, or you can talk to an expert by getting in touch with one of our Energy Advisors. If you are income qualified, you can apply for free weatherization through Homewise. And for longer-term energy savings, you can always invest in new tech with an opportunity for rebates from City Light.


If You Need Assistance With Your Bill

If you are having trouble paying your City Light bill, there are three programs that might help.


Federal Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The first program for customers that need help is the Federal Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP offers assistance with paying bills along with budget counseling and weatherization services. Depending upon where you live, you can sign up for LIHEAP online or via phone.

City Light has instructions on how to sign up for LIHEAP here.


Utility Discount Program (UDP)
The City of Seattle also offers the Utility Discount Program (UDP) for income-qualified customers of Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities. In 2016, changes to the program’s auto-enrollment were projected to double enrolled households to 28,000 by 2018. That goal has been exceeded already, but tens of thousands of households that might be eligible have yet to enroll.

Customers enrolled in UDP receive 60 percent off their City Light bills, so if you need help check to see if you meet income requirements and enroll here.


Emergency Low Income Assistance (ELIA)
City Light offers its own program for customers who have received an “Urgent” or “Shut-Off” notice on balances of $250 or more. The Emergency Low Income Assistance (ELIA) program offers up to $200 every 12 months for customers who make the minimum payment to avoid disconnection and payment arrangements for the balance.

To get more information or sign up for ELIA, call (206) 684-3688 or email SCL_InfoELIA@seattle.gov.

If You Want to Help Your Neighbors


If your finances aren’t impacted by a higher energy bill, you might be interested in giving back to your community. There is a program available for LIHEAP or ELIA participants which is funded by donations from City Light employees, customers and other supporters.

Project Share takes donations and disburses the money to those in need. In a typical year, Project Share provides assistance to about 1,000 people, and the average benefit for recipients is $250.

Project Share’s one-time emergency assistance grants can make a huge difference in the lives of your friends and neighbors. If you are financially stable, please consider making a donation here.

Four Ways to Stay Cool This Fourth of July

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There’s nothing better than Seattle in the summertime. But with temperatures approaching 80 degrees this Fourth of July, you may be looking for ways to beat the heat. Here are a few tips from the U.S. Department of Energy* on how to keep cool and conserve energy without breaking the bank! Check out this month’s issue of Light Reading for more innovative ways to conserve energy this summer from planting a tree to using your slow cooker. Click here to take a look!

10 Tips for Saving Electricity During the Holiday Season

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With the holidays right around the corner, Seattle City Light urges you to join us in celebrating the season in an energy-efficient, cost efficient way!

Here are a few tips from us to you on reducing electricity consumption through the holiday season:

    1. Got company? Large get-togethers can quickly lead to increased energy consumption. Turn your thermostat down when hosting large parties – the extra body heat will provide enough warmth!
    2. Turn off the lights in your room when the Christmas tree is lit. The tree provides enough lighting on its own, and also adds to the Christmas mood!
    3. Dress warmer at home when the days get cooler. This is much less expensive and more efficient than turning on your thermostat.
    4. What’s a better way to enjoy the holiday season than turning off your electronics and spending quality time with your family?
    5. With all the food you’ll be cooking during the holiday season, make sure you’re saving electricity by not opening the oven door to check on your food unless necessary. Don’t let the heat escape the oven!
    6. Using an electric mattress pad or blanket is cheaper than heating your entire bedroom.
    7. Insulate your home. Plug up any leaks or cracks in your house, and replace your windows with energy-efficient models. Keep your home nice and cozy!
    8. Leaving for winter break? Most electronics use electricity even when they are turned off. Hook up your electronics to a smart power strip so you can completely turn off your electronics when not in use.
    9. Want to get into the holiday spirit by hanging up string lights? Opt for LED string lights – They use 90 percent less energy than traditional string lights!
    10. LASTLY – Feeling creative? Decorate your house with luminaries instead of string lights! 

Beat the Heat Without Breaking the Bank

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Photo of hot sunset.Seattle City Light has sufficient electricity to help people stay cool in the hot weather, but there are ways you can beat the heat without driving up your electricity bill.  Customers also should be aware that extra demand for electricity puts stress on the distribution system, which can lead to outages, especially with older, underground power lines.

Keeping your windows and blinds closed during the day is one of the best ways to keep your house cool without running up your electric bill. This will significantly reduce the heat that enters your home and adding an external window shade is even more effective. Better yet, good insulation not only keeps your house cool in the summer but warm in the winter.

Other money-saving tips include:

  • Give appliances a break. Limit the use of ranges and stoves, dishwashers, dryers, washing machines and other heat-producing equipment especially during mid-day.
  • Prepare cool meals, such as salads and sandwiches. If you must cook a hot meal, wait until later in the evening when it’s cooler or use your barbecue outdoors.
  • Use a ceiling fan. A typical fan consumes 98 percent less electricity than most central air conditioners use.
  • Adjust ceiling fans to turn counter-clockwise, which will push down warm air trapped near the ceiling.
  • If you have central air conditioning: Cool only the rooms you use but don’t close all vents. Closing too many actually reduces operating efficiency.
  • Turn off the air conditioner when you leave the house for several hours.
  • An air conditioner thermostat is not a throttle, so don’t switch your air conditioner to a colder setting when you turn it on. It won’t cool the room any faster but it will waste energy when you forget to turn it up again. Keep it set at 80 degrees.
  • Install a timer on your room air conditioner, or use a programmable thermostat on your central air conditioner.
  • Keep your air conditioner shaded to improve its efficiency.

For more ways to conserve energy, please go to City Light’s Energy Solutions page.

High temperatures can add strain to City Light’s electrical equipment as people turn on air conditioning and refrigerators work harder to keep food cool.

Underground cables are more susceptible to the stress caused by the increased flow of electricity.  Underground power lines are insulated and designed to float in water that fills the concrete vaults, but over time the insulation becomes brittle. If the insulation on an underground cable cracks, any water in the vault will cause a short.

City Light has been working to extend the life of underground cables and improve reliability by injecting some older lines with silicone and replacing others.

If your power does go out, first check your main switch for a blown fuse or an open breaker. If that is not the problem, report the outage by calling either our Outage Hotline (recorded message) at (206) 684-7400 or Customer Service at (206) 684-3000.

Seattle City Light urges its customers to be prepared for outages at any time of the year.

  • Customers relying on electric life-support machines should let City Light know about their needs. Please call (206) 684-3000 and let us know.
  • Have an emergency kit ready.
  • In most cases, food should be safe if refrigerators and freezers are kept shut when the power is out. If the power is out for longer than 10 hours, perishables should be discarded. When it doubt, throw it out.

You can get even more tips for what to do when the power goes out on our website and check the system status for your address via our outage map.