As an energy supplier, we often hear from our customers about higher electricity bills during the colder months. While it might seem counterintuitive at first—especially if you’re not running an air conditioner—there are several reasons why energy costs can rise as the temperatures drop. Let’s explore why this happens and share some practical tips to help you reduce your energy usage and lower your costs.

Why Electricity Usage Increases in Winter

1. Heating Your Home

For most households, heating accounts for the largest portion of energy usage during winter. While many homes use gas or other fuels for heating, electric heaters, heat pumps, or space heaters can significantly increase electricity consumption. Even if you don’t use electric heating, auxiliary systems like blowers and pumps that circulate heat often run on electricity.

2. Shorter Days and Longer Nights

With fewer daylight hours, lights are on longer in the evening and early morning. This extended use of lighting, especially if you’re still using incandescent or halogen bulbs, can contribute to higher electricity bills.

3. Increased Use of Appliances

Colder weather often means more time spent indoors, leading to increased use of electronics, kitchen appliances, and entertainment systems. Families tend to cook more warm meals, watch movies, or run more loads of laundry—all of which consume electricity.

4. Standby Power Usage

During colder months, people often leave electronics plugged in or on standby for convenience. Devices like electric blankets or heated mattress pads also add to the overall consumption.

Tips to Reduce Your Electricity Costs

While winter energy bills may naturally increase, there are many ways to minimize your electricity usage without compromising comfort.

1. Optimize Heating Efficiency

• Set your thermostat wisely. Lower it by a few degrees when you’re sleeping or away from home. Consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat.

• Seal drafts and insulate. Use weatherstripping around windows and doors, and add insulation to reduce heat loss.

• Use ceiling fans strategically. Run them clockwise at low speed to push warm air back down.

2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting

Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer.

3. Unplug Unused Devices

Even when not in use, many electronics draw power. Use power strips to easily switch off multiple devices or invest in smart plugs to automate usage.

4. Use Appliances Wisely

• Wash clothes in cold water and run full loads in the washer and dryer.

• Limit oven usage by making one-pot meals or using energy-efficient devices like air fryers or slow cookers.

• Turn off lights and electronics when leaving a room.

5. Consider Home Energy Improvements

If you own your home, consider energy-efficient upgrades like double-pane windows, improved insulation, or an energy-efficient HVAC system. These investments can reduce your long-term energy usage.

6. Leverage Natural Heat

Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let in sunlight and naturally warm your home. Close them at night to reduce heat loss.

How We Can Help

At Major Energy, we’re committed to helping you manage your energy usage year-round. Many of our plans include tools to track your energy consumption, budget billing options to help you avoid seasonal spikes, and energy-efficiency tips to keep your costs low.

If you’re looking for more ways to reduce your winter energy bills, our customer service team is here to help. Together, we can make this winter more comfortable and affordable for your household.

October 2nd is Energy Efficiency Day, a day to celebrate and promote saving energy. Whether you’re at home or running a business, making small changes can save you money and help the environment.

What is Energy Efficiency Day?

Energy Efficiency Day is all about raising awareness of how easy it is to use less energy. By making small changes, like upgrading appliances or changing daily habits, you can help the planet and save money.

Why Energy Efficiency is Important

Using energy efficiently helps:

• Save money on your energy bills.
• Reduce pollution and lower carbon emissions.
• Make your home or office more comfortable with better heating, cooling, and insulation.
• Provide long-term savings by investing in energy-efficient products.

Easy Ways to Save Energy

With a little bit of effort, you can make some incredible changes in your energy bill and consumption.

Here are some simple tips to get started:

• Switch to LED Bulbs: LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last longer than regular bulbs.
• Seal and Insulate Your Home: This keeps heat from escaping, reducing heating costs in colder months.
• Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances: New appliances, like fridges and dishwashers, use less power and can save you money.
• Install a Smart Thermostat: It adjusts temperatures automatically to save energy when you’re not home. Smart thermostat will remember your settings too. Visit Smart Home Transformation – Major Energy to see how!
• Unplug Devices: Even when turned off, electronics can still use energy and drive-up cost. Unplug all appliance when not in use to avoid energy loss.

How Businesses Can Save Energy

Businesses can also get involved in Energy Efficiency Day by:

• Performing energy audits to find ways to cut energy use. (Commercial & Business Energy Plans | Major Energy)
• Upgrading lights and HVAC systems to more efficient models.
• Encouraging employees to turn off devices and lights when not in use.
• Sharing energy-saving tips with customers and on social media.

Final Thoughts

Energy Efficiency Day is a great reminder that tiny changes can lead to massive savings. Whether at home or at work, taking steps to save energy benefits both you and the planet. Celebrate this October 2nd by making a commitment to energy efficiency and sharing your efforts with others.

Make the switch to Major Energy today!

Connecticut residents have recently noticed a significant increase in their energy bills, and a key contributor to this surge is the “Public Benefits” charge. This fee, while designed to fund important state programs, has become a source of frustration for many who are already struggling with rising living costs. In this blog post, we’ll explore what the “Public Benefits” charge is, how it impacts your energy bill, what lawmakers are planning to do about it, and practical tips on how to save money on your energy costs.

What Is the “Public Benefits” Charge?

The “Public Benefits” charge is a fee included in your Connecticut Light and Power or United Illuminating electricity bill that funds various state programs aimed at promoting energy efficiency, supporting low-income households, and advancing renewable energy initiatives. While these programs provide significant long-term benefits to the state, they come at a cost that is passed on to consumers through their monthly energy bills.

The charge typically covers:

Energy Efficiency Programs: These initiatives help reduce overall energy consumption by funding weatherization projects, energy audits, and incentives for energy-efficient appliances.

Renewable Energy Support: A portion of the charge goes toward developing and maintaining renewable energy projects like solar and wind power, which contribute to the state’s goal of reducing carbon emissions.

Assistance Programs: The charge also supports programs that provide energy assistance to low-income households, helping them manage their energy costs during the year.

How Is This Impacting Your Energy Bill?

While the “Public Benefits” charge funds essential programs, it also adds to the overall cost of your energy bill. As energy prices rise due to other factors like increased natural gas costs and market volatility, this charge can exacerbate the financial burden on consumers.

For many residents, this has led to a feeling of paying more without seeing a direct benefit, especially in a time when every dollar counts.

What Are Lawmakers Doing About It?

With school in session, electronics like computers, tablets, and chargers become more prevalent. Unplug devices when not in use or use a power strip to easily turn off multiple devices at once. This reduces “phantom” energy consumption, where electronics consume power even when turned off.

Recognizing the strain that these charges are putting on consumers, Connecticut lawmakers are exploring several measures to address the issue:

Reviewing the Public Benefits Charge: Lawmakers are considering a review of the “Public Benefits” charge to assess its current structure and effectiveness. This review may lead to adjustments that could reduce the financial burden on consumers while still supporting essential programs.

Reevaluating Program Funding: Some legislators are discussing alternative funding mechanisms for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that wouldn’t rely as heavily on consumer fees. This could involve reallocating state budget resources or seeking federal grants.

Increasing Transparency: There is a push for greater transparency in how the funds collected through the “Public Benefits” charge are used. Lawmakers want to ensure that consumers understand where their money is going and how it benefits the state.

Expanding Energy Assistance: In the short term, lawmakers are looking to expand energy assistance programs to help low- and middle-income households cope with rising energy costs. This includes increasing funding for programs that directly offset energy bills for those in need.

Conclusion

The “Public Benefits” charge on Connecticut energy bills is intended to fund important state programs, but it has also contributed to rising costs for consumers. Lawmakers are working on solutions to address these concerns, but in the meantime, there are steps you can take to lower your energy costs. By staying informed and making energy-efficient choices, you can reduce the impact of these rising costs on your household budget.

Stay tuned for updates from state officials and remember that every small change you make can lead to significant savings over time. Major Energy offers reliable energy plans for a fixed rate across the northeast. Use your zip code to find energy plans in your area.

As summer winds down and the school season approaches, families are preparing for the busy months ahead. Along with stocking up on school supplies and adjusting schedules, it’s a great time to focus on energy efficiency. Implementing energy-saving practices can lead to substantial savings and help reduce your environmental footprint. Here are some practical tips to make your back-to-school transition more energy-efficient: 

Update Your Home’s Insulation 

With the school year starting, your home’s heating and cooling systems may be working harder. Set your thermostat to a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature. Lowering the thermostat by just a few degrees in winter or raising it in summer can make a noticeable difference in your energy consumption. Consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat that can adjust temperatures automatically based on your schedule.

Optimize Your Thermostat

With the school year starting, your home’s heating and cooling systems may be working harder. Set your thermostat to a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature. Lowering the thermostat by just a few degrees in winter or raising it in summer can make a noticeable difference in your energy consumption. Consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat that can adjust temperatures automatically based on your schedule.

Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

As daylight hours decrease, you’ll likely rely more on indoor lighting. Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Additionally, make the most of natural light during the day by keeping curtains and blinds open.

Manage Electronics Wisely

With school in session, electronics like computers, tablets, and chargers become more prevalent. Unplug devices when not in use or use a power strip to easily turn off multiple devices at once. This reduces “phantom” energy consumption, where electronics consume power even when turned off.

Encourage Energy-Saving Habits

Teach your children about the importance of energy conservation. Simple habits like turning off lights when leaving a room, closing doors to maintain heating or cooling, and using appliances efficiently can make a significant impact. Making these practices part of their routine helps instill lifelong energy-saving habits.

Efficient Laundry Practices

Back-to-school means more laundry with uniforms, sports gear, and everyday clothes. Use cold water for washing clothes whenever possible, as heating water accounts for a significant portion of energy use in laundry. Additionally, air-drying clothes or using a high-efficiency dryer can save both energy and money.

Optimize Kitchen Appliance Use

Prepare meals and snacks efficiently by using the right-sized pots and pans on your stove, which can help your stove or oven work more efficiently. When using the oven, try to cook multiple dishes at once to make the most of the heat generated.

Seal Leaks and Drafts

Check for and seal any leaks or drafts around windows, doors, and other openings. Proper sealing helps maintain indoor temperatures and reduces the workload on heating and cooling systems. Use weatherstripping or caulking to close gaps.

Maintain Your HVAC System

Regular maintenance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system ensures it runs efficiently. Replace filters regularly and schedule annual check-ups to keep your system in top condition, which helps it use energy more effectively.

Take Advantage of Energy-Saving Programs

Many utility companies offer energy-saving programs and incentives for upgrades such as energy-efficient appliances or home improvements. Check to see what programs or rebates are available to you.

By implementing these energy-saving tips, you can make your back-to-school season more efficient and budget-friendly. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Major Energy offers reliable energy plans for a fixed rate across the northeast. Use your zip code to find energy plans in your area.

There are a lot of reasons to own an electric vehicle. However, taking long road trips is not one of them. In fact, that has been an Achilles heel for EVs. Having to figure out the logistics of making it to a locale on a charge has been something that prompts EV owners to find another mode of transportation when they want to take a trip. 

Fortunately, electric vehicle manufacturers and green energy advocates understand range and charging up away from home is a serious shortcoming of EVs. Because of that, we’ve come a long way in recent years in terms of creating an infrastructure and technology that allows for long distance EV travel for eco-conscious energy users. 

These days taking a summer road trip in an electric vehicle is possible as long as you plan it out in advance. We asked EV owners for their best advice and used the information to create a guide for planning a summer EV road trip that’s as easy as it is eco-friendly. 

Don’t Use Max Range as a Basis for How Far You Can Go 

One of the biggest mistakes that road trippers make is creating a driving itinerary based on the max range for their EV. The maximum miles that can be traveled on a full battery is optimistic at best and based on perfect conditions. In other words, it’s highly unlikely you’re going to be able to go the max distance on a charge. 

The safer bet is to base the range on your real world driving. You can also plot a route estimating that you’ll get 75% of the max range to err on the side of caution. 

Look for Level 3 DC Fast Charging Stations

Right now there’s a massive undertaking across the country to install EV charging stations. Private businesses as well as the federal and state governments are spending billions to create an infrastructure for charging up EVs quickly. 

Tesla owners have it a little easier since the automaker has invested heavily in strategically placing charging stations at key points of travel in their exclusive network. So, if you own a Tesla your best bet is to use their EV road trip planner tool. You can select the vehicle type, starting location and destination to get a customized route with chargers along the way.

For everyone else, there are apps that can help you locate charging stations and plot out a route where you won’t be left stranded without a charge. Some apps worth looking into include ChargeHub and PlugShare. 

Places where you are likely to find at least a few EV charging stations are: 

• Charging network stations like Electrify America and ChargePoint
• Grocery stores
• Walmart
• Convenience stores

The one downside with the fast chargers is they can degrade the battery if it’s charged to full capacity. The guidance is to only charge the battery to 80-90% when using a level 3 DC charger. The good news is you can charge an EV battery up to 90% in less than an hour using the fast charging stations.

Plan for Longer Stops

As noted above, even the fast charging stations are going to take 30-60 minutes if your battery is pretty much drained. Plus, there could be a wait for a station to free up. That means you won’t be making quick pit stops like you would at a gas station. 

You’ll need to plan for stops that take around an hour. It could be a great time to get lunch or maybe explore a park in the local area. It all depends on where you charge up and how you prepare. Once you know where you’ll be stopping en route to charge up, create a plan for what you’ll do while you’re there. If there’s not much around you may want to pack a laptop for watching a movie, a board game or a deck of cards to keep everyone entertained. And if you’re traveling with animals make sure to plan for keeping pets comfortable during the wait.

Look for Hotels With Level 2 DC Chargers

EV owners are familiar with overnight charging. You can get a complimentary charge while resting if you can find a hotel with EV charging stations. Just keep in mind it could still take around 10 hours to fully charge up using a level 2 DC charging station. 

Be Mindful of the Heat 

Any vehicle, including an EV, can overheat. The outside temperature is a factor, especially for the batteries inside electric vehicles. In fact, an EV is more likely to overheat because there’s less heat dispersion without the combustion engine. Excessive heat also reduces the power output of an EV and reduces the range.

Check the weather when you’re a week or less out from taking your road trip to see what the temperature is expected to be like along the route. EV batteries work best in mild temperatures between 65-78 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Bring a Type 2 Charging Cable and Backup Charger

You may find a charging station only to discover that there are no cables. You can circumvent the issue by packing a level 2 charging cable and charging adapter. You may get lucky and also be able to use it at places like hotels that don’t have a dedicated charging station. 

Another issue is you may find that the type of charger you need isn’t available at the charging station. There are CCS (Combined Charging System) connectors and CHAdeMO connectors that are less commonly used for vehicles like the Leaf. It’s something to consider if you need a CHAdeMO connector.

The last thing you want is to have your EV charger break on a road trip leaving you stranded with no way of going another mile. If you have two 

Pack Light to Maximize Range

Looking for one more reason to pack light? The more loaded down an EV is the shorter the range will be on a charge. For that reason, you’ll want to avoid overpacking and still to the essentials. 

Get ready for your road trip by charging up at home before you take off. Major Energy offers reliable energy plans for a fixed rate across the northeast. Use your zip code to find energy plans in your area.