Keeping track of your electric bills

Many of us notice a considerably high energy bill arriving in the mail over the Winter months, a common misconception, places blame on just turning the furnace on when the temperature drops. Although temperature control is a key component, Marquette Board of Light and Power says personal use is usually the major factor driving the rates in the winter.

According to Matthew Zavislak, MBLP Manager of Administrative Services he said, “The days are getting shorter, so you are going to be home more. You’re not going out as much and also during that time. You are using electricity, by your lights, by watching movies and computer and all that sort of stuff.”

Along with the self-monitoring of personal use, residential customers may find replacing insulation throughout the home, could lower their bill and better yet, when the cold months hit, proper insulation can in itself keep bills from changing at all throughout the year.

Zavislak told us, “You have your heater kicking on, if your house is really well insulated, really well sealed, you may see less of an impact, whereas if you have a house that the insulation is not as great or there are gaps in the window, and you are feeling a breeze.”

BLP offers education to their customers with the goal of saving energy. And although the advances made in energy saving technology, buying a new energy saving appliance doesn’t ensure your bill will go down.

Zavislak has seen a lot of questions arise over his time asking why their bill didn’t go down after buying energy saving appliances. He said, “Yeah, they’re being made much more efficient, but if you buy a fridge that is twice the size as your old one, even though it has the energy efficient rating, you’re still going to most likely use more, just because of the size, so that’s another thing to think about.

For those who would like more help understanding their bill, BLP has an app that can help track usage called the smart hub, or they can talk directly to a representative at their office.

MBLP also has options for residential customers if they find themselves unable to pay for their electric bill, and payment assistance can be found on their website or by calling MBLP offices directly.