LG&E and KU offer ways to stay comfortable while managing energy usage
(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) – Summer has officially arrived, and Mother Nature is already turning up the heat. As temperatures continue to climb, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company are providing tips to help customers stay comfortable while managing their energy usage.
“The weather and how we use energy are two major factors that influence energy bills,” said Shannon Montgomery, LG&E and KU vice president of Customer Services. “We offer a variety of programs, tips and resources for customers to help them beat the heat, manage their energy usage and earn monetary incentives for their energy-saving measures.”
These are steps customers can take now to help beat the heat and keep cool during a heatwave.
- Sign up for energy efficiency programs: Whether you are a homeowner, renter or business, LG&E and KU offer a variety programs to help customers save energy and money and earn monetary incentives.
- Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise: This can help lift cool air up and out, making your room feel more comfortable.
- Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting: Raising your thermostat setting by even one degree can save as much as 4-7 percent on the cooling portion of your energy bill.
- Draw the shades: Close your blinds and curtains during the day to block sunshine from heating up your home.
- Open and uncover vents: Be sure vents are open and clear, unblocked by furniture or other obstructions that could prevent air from circulating through your home.
- Seal up leaks: Caulking and weatherstripping can keep the cool air inside your home and the warm air out.
- Turn off the oven: Consider grilling out or using a slow cooker to avoid heating up your kitchen and forcing your A/C to work even harder.
- Have your A/C inspected annually: Have a certified professional inspect your A/C annually to make sure it’s ready to perform in extended high temperatures.
- Change your air filter: Set a reminder to change your air filter each month, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions, to help keep your HVAC system operating properly.
Important safety reminders
- Check on your neighbors: Especially during heatwaves, it's important to check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbors with a quick phone call or visit to help prevent heat-related illnesses.
- Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water throughout the day and especially while outdoors.
- Follow heat-related guidance: Follow guidance from local emergency officials and pay close attention to your local weather and updates from the National Weather Service.
- Take steps for fire safety: Warm temperatures can also create dry conditions. If you’re building a campfire while enjoying the outdoors, make sure to use a fire ring or fire pit and have a source of water, a bucket and a shovel nearby at all times.
Additional assistance
LG&E and KU understand customers can sometimes have difficulties paying their utility bills. Customers needing to establish a payment arrangement are encouraged to contact LG&E and KU right away or use self-serve options (mobile app, online via My Account or automated phone system), which are available any time 24/7.
There also are a number of community agencies that provide assistance, and customers are encouraged to take advantage of these programs. Visit lge-ku.com/assistance-programs for a list of local community partners in your area.
Visit lge-ku.com/save to sign up for LG&E and KU’s energy efficiency programs and for more important tips to save energy this summer.
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Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 335,000 natural gas and 436,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 545,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and 28,000 in five counties in Virginia. More information is available at www.lge-ku.com and www.pplweb.com.
