While we offer some of the more affordable residential electric rates in Alaska’s Railbelt, energy costs in Alaska are often higher than in some regions of the Lower 48. A primary reason for this is the cost associated with the equipment and infrastructure necessary to carry the electricity across great distances and difficult terrain. It’s therefore important to be energy wise when using the resources in your home.

Since heating accounts for approximately 60-70 percent of your energy bill in the winter, it’s a good place to start.

Heating

• Set the thermostat on your gas furnace between 62°F to 68°F. Typically, turning down your thermostat three to five degrees can reduce your bill by 10 percent.
• If your furnace has a programmable thermostat, set it so the temperature drops back 5° when going to bed and turns back up by 5° an hour or two before you wake.
• Use space heaters sparingly and, if electric, note the wattage. The higher the wattage, the more it will cost to run. For example, a 1,500-watt unit that runs continuously in the winter will add about $130 to your monthly bill.
• Make sure vents, registers and/or radiators are not blocked by furniture or curtains.
• Make sure your furnace is inspected annually by a professional.

 Insulation and Sealing

• Use insulation in attics, walls and ceilings when possible and ensure that it has an adequate R-value for the location used. The higher the R-value the more effective the insulation.
• Identify air leaks around windows and doors. Caulk, weather strip or use door sweeps to fill/cover any gaps.
• Inspect your vapor barrier for air leaks and repair them.

 Water Heating

• Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F. Water is often heated to 140°F unnecessarily. Setting it back will save between 6 and 10 percent on your bill, according to the Department of Energy.
• Insulate your water heater tank.
• Install low-flow shower heads. They use one-third to one-half the water of a regular showerhead and still provide adequate pressure.
• Take showers. They use less water than tub baths.

 Lighting

• Turn off lights when not in use.
• Switch to energy efficient bulbs such as CFLs and LEDs that last longer and use less energy. Start by replacing the lights you use most often and change those first.
• Buy Energy Star light fixtures and lamps. They use one-quarter of the energy of traditional lights and lamps.

 General

• Plug electronics into a power strip and switch the strip off when electronics are charged and not being used.
• Wait until the dishwasher is full of dishes before operating.
• Check your refrigerator temperature and make sure its set between 36°F and 38°F. Set your freezer between 0°F and 5°F.
• When doing laundry, wash and dry only full loads.
• Monitor your overall energy usage each day and look for ways to cut back on that usage.