Georgia receives $21,120,355 to assist low income Georgians with expected high heating bills due to recent cold snap.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the release of $1.2 billion to states to help low income citizens in the coming weeks with their heating bills. These funds represent grants to states, tribes and territories under the
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
"The release of these funds will assist millions of Americans who may not be in the position to afford heating costs during these cold winter months," Secretary Sebelius said. "More low-income families will now have the chance to use their income for other necessities."
LIHEAP helps eligible families pay the costs of heating and insulating their homes in the winter and cooling their homes in the summer. HHS is releasing such a large allocation of LIHEAP funds now in order to ensure that states have resources available to support their energy assistance programs as the weather turns colder and the nation faces high unemployment rates.
"LIHEAP helps more than six million low-income households deal with energy costs," said Carmen R. Nazario, assistant secretary for children and families. "We will continue to work with states, tribes and territories to assure their heating assistance programs work effectively."
----
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Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Southern Company Sets Winter Peak Demand Record Again; Third Record in Seven Days Tops Summer Peak Demand
/PRNewswire/ -- Southern Company today (January 11) announced it has set its third record for winter peak demand in the past seven days. Between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. EST, preliminary peak demand for electricity averaged approximately 37,224 megawatts, exceeding by 1,363 megawatts Southern Company's January 6 winter time peak of 35,861 megawatts. Today's peak also exceeds Southern Company's 2009 summer peak demand, which was 36,505 megawatts.
"While last summer was cooler than normal, it is still very unusual in our part of the country for a winter peak to be higher than a summer peak," said Greg Darnell, Southern Company Generation Fleet Operations manager.
According to Darnell, the primary contributor to the record loads of the past week was "sustained cold temperatures." Monday morning's "system temperature" - the average temperature weighted across five cities in Southern Company's service territory - was 18 degrees Fahrenheit, with especially cold readings in the coastal region of the service territory. The "system temperature" had been 19 degrees last Wednesday, Jan 6, and 18 degrees Tuesday, Jan. 5.
Last Wednesday's peak exceeded the record of 35,580 megawatts set last Tuesday, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. EST, by 281 megawatts. The Tuesday peak had surpassed by 139 megawatts Southern Company's previous winter record of 35,441 megawatts set Feb. 5, 2009.
System peak demand is an indicator of how hard Southern Company's generating plants are working and what is required to ensure the reliable supply of electricity needed by customers. The peak demand number reported by fleet operations represents the average peak demand for electricity generated during a one-hour period and reflects the retail and wholesale obligations of Southern Company.
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"While last summer was cooler than normal, it is still very unusual in our part of the country for a winter peak to be higher than a summer peak," said Greg Darnell, Southern Company Generation Fleet Operations manager.
According to Darnell, the primary contributor to the record loads of the past week was "sustained cold temperatures." Monday morning's "system temperature" - the average temperature weighted across five cities in Southern Company's service territory - was 18 degrees Fahrenheit, with especially cold readings in the coastal region of the service territory. The "system temperature" had been 19 degrees last Wednesday, Jan 6, and 18 degrees Tuesday, Jan. 5.
Last Wednesday's peak exceeded the record of 35,580 megawatts set last Tuesday, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. EST, by 281 megawatts. The Tuesday peak had surpassed by 139 megawatts Southern Company's previous winter record of 35,441 megawatts set Feb. 5, 2009.
System peak demand is an indicator of how hard Southern Company's generating plants are working and what is required to ensure the reliable supply of electricity needed by customers. The peak demand number reported by fleet operations represents the average peak demand for electricity generated during a one-hour period and reflects the retail and wholesale obligations of Southern Company.
-----
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Monday, November 30, 2009
Georgia Consumers Compare Costs and Choices to Cut Heating Bills via Allconnect.com
(BUSINESS WIRE)--With temperatures falling and gas bills rising, Georgia consumers are ensuring they’re staying warm at the lowest price possible by comparing options at Allconnect.com.
Deregulation of the gas industry has expanded choices and introduced competition, both of which benefit consumers. The challenge is to keep up with the options and the offers. Allconnect.com is a free online resource to review and compare the costs and choices for natural gas, as well as other essential home services including high speed Internet, phone, cable TV, satellite TV, home security systems, and electricity.
By going to Allconnect.com and entering a home address, Georgia consumers instantly see the options, prices, and promotions for all the home service providers in their area, including natural gas. Promotions and pricing options, such as fixed rates versus variable rates, are presented; and plans can be evaluated easily by using a side-by-side comparison tool. Allconnect’s service is free and comes with a lowest-available price guarantee. Consumers can also call 1-800-ALLCONNECT to reach a Home Service Consultant who can explain specific options.
“With the deregulation of natural gas in Georgia, consumers realize they have a choice when it comes to providers. Now they also have a convenient resource for evaluating the choices,” said Mark Miller, Allconnect CEO. “Allconnect.com makes it simple and less time-consuming with a free, one-stop resource for comparing options, as well as the different rate plans and special offers.”
-----
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Deregulation of the gas industry has expanded choices and introduced competition, both of which benefit consumers. The challenge is to keep up with the options and the offers. Allconnect.com is a free online resource to review and compare the costs and choices for natural gas, as well as other essential home services including high speed Internet, phone, cable TV, satellite TV, home security systems, and electricity.
By going to Allconnect.com and entering a home address, Georgia consumers instantly see the options, prices, and promotions for all the home service providers in their area, including natural gas. Promotions and pricing options, such as fixed rates versus variable rates, are presented; and plans can be evaluated easily by using a side-by-side comparison tool. Allconnect’s service is free and comes with a lowest-available price guarantee. Consumers can also call 1-800-ALLCONNECT to reach a Home Service Consultant who can explain specific options.
“With the deregulation of natural gas in Georgia, consumers realize they have a choice when it comes to providers. Now they also have a convenient resource for evaluating the choices,” said Mark Miller, Allconnect CEO. “Allconnect.com makes it simple and less time-consuming with a free, one-stop resource for comparing options, as well as the different rate plans and special offers.”
-----
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Thursday, October 22, 2009
HHS Provides More Than $2.6 Billion to States to Help Low-Income Households with Energy Costs
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the release of more than $2.6 billion to states to help low income citizens with their heating bills during October, November and December of this year. These funds represent grants to states, tribes and territories under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
"By releasing this money now, we are helping to provide needed assistance to millions of Americans who otherwise might not be able to afford heat this winter," Secretary Sebelius said. "This program helps to offset seasonal energy costs for low income families, leaving more of
their income to use for other necessities."
LIHEAP helps eligible families pay the costs of heating and insulating their homes in the winter, and cooling their homes in the summer. HHS is releasing such a large allocation of LIHEAP funds now in order to ensure that states have resources available to support their energy assistance programs as the weather turns colder.
"Each year LIHEAP helps more than five million low income households deal with energy costs," said Carmen Nazario, assistant secretary for children and families. "We will continue to work with states, tribes and territories to assure their heating assistance programs work effectively."
-----
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"By releasing this money now, we are helping to provide needed assistance to millions of Americans who otherwise might not be able to afford heat this winter," Secretary Sebelius said. "This program helps to offset seasonal energy costs for low income families, leaving more of
their income to use for other necessities."
LIHEAP helps eligible families pay the costs of heating and insulating their homes in the winter, and cooling their homes in the summer. HHS is releasing such a large allocation of LIHEAP funds now in order to ensure that states have resources available to support their energy assistance programs as the weather turns colder.
"Each year LIHEAP helps more than five million low income households deal with energy costs," said Carmen Nazario, assistant secretary for children and families. "We will continue to work with states, tribes and territories to assure their heating assistance programs work effectively."
-----
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Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Georgia Power Announces Energy-Savings Tips for the Winter
/PRNewswire/ -- Winter is here and with it frigid cold temperatures. Now is the best time to start thinking about ways to save on your energy bill.
To keep warm and cut down on your energy use, try these helpful energy-saving tips around your house all winter.
-- Wrap water pipes. This will reduce heat loss from your hot water lines and help to prevent your pipes from freezing. The best type of wrap to use is "foam pipe wrap" that you can find at hardware stores for an inexpensive price.
-- Caulk or re-caulk around windows and doors. This helps keep the cold out and the heat in. If your caulking is cracked, remove it and reseal with new caulk.
-- Change your air filters. This should be done every month or so to help your unit's air exchange and indoor air quality. Dirty filters can increase your system's operating costs, damage equipment and reduce efficiency.
-- Have your heating or cooling system professionally checked to make sure it is running properly. This can prolong the life of your system, as well as reduce operating costs.
-- Insulate your water heater with at least R-6 insulation. Read your water heater manufacturer's warranty to make sure it's not voided by adding a water heater jacket. Do not cover the pressure release valve when you wrap the water heater.
-- Check weather stripping around doors, windows and between heated and unheated areas of your home - such as garages, basements, attics, etc. A good check to see if stripping needs changing: close your door; if you see light coming through, the stripping needs changing.
-- If you have a gas heater or furnace, make sure you get a carbon monoxide detector before using the unit.
-- Make sure your pilot light (gas furnace) is lighted before the winter season starts. If you are not sure about lighting it yourself, call a heating and cooling professional to do it.
-- Keep the thermostat on your heating system at the lowest comfortable setting. Georgia Power recommends 68 degrees Fahrenheit. On the average, you consume five percent more energy for every degree it's set above 68 degrees. Consider using a programmable thermostat that adjusts the temperature automatically according to your schedule.
-- If you are going away for several days, lower the thermostat to 60 degrees, but not to "off." By setting the thermostat at 60, there will be less strain on your heating system when you return and it's time to reheat the house. Also, having some heat in the house will prevent damage, such as frozen or burst water pipes, from outside freezing temperatures.
-- Keep heating vents and registers clear. Make sure they are not blocked by draperies or furniture. The vents should also be cleaned regularly with a vacuum or broom.
-- Let the sun shine in. On sunny days, open drapes or blinds to allow natural solar heat to warm the house. Keep drapes and blinds closed on cloudy days and at night. Use insulated or heavy curtains on windows facing the north side of the house.
-- Make sure fireplace dampers fit tightly, and keep them closed when not using the fireplace. Add a glass fireplace screen, if possible.
-- Cover bare floors. Carpeting adds to comfort and heat retention, especially if there is little or no floor insulation.
-- Use a humidifier to keep your home more comfortable. Adding moisture allows you to reduce the thermostat setting without feeling colder.
-- Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to help maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Check the switch located on your ceiling fan or refer to your owner's manual for the proper direction of rotation.
-- If you have a window air conditioning unit, remove it for the winter months to prevent heat from escaping through and around the unit. If it can't be moved, put a cover over it to prevent drafts.
-- Check the R-value of insulation in your home. For existing homes, Georgia Power recommends R-30 in the ceiling, R-13 in the walls and R-11 in the floor for maximum comfort and energy efficiency. R-value is a measure of resistance to heat flow.
-----
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To keep warm and cut down on your energy use, try these helpful energy-saving tips around your house all winter.
-- Wrap water pipes. This will reduce heat loss from your hot water lines and help to prevent your pipes from freezing. The best type of wrap to use is "foam pipe wrap" that you can find at hardware stores for an inexpensive price.
-- Caulk or re-caulk around windows and doors. This helps keep the cold out and the heat in. If your caulking is cracked, remove it and reseal with new caulk.
-- Change your air filters. This should be done every month or so to help your unit's air exchange and indoor air quality. Dirty filters can increase your system's operating costs, damage equipment and reduce efficiency.
-- Have your heating or cooling system professionally checked to make sure it is running properly. This can prolong the life of your system, as well as reduce operating costs.
-- Insulate your water heater with at least R-6 insulation. Read your water heater manufacturer's warranty to make sure it's not voided by adding a water heater jacket. Do not cover the pressure release valve when you wrap the water heater.
-- Check weather stripping around doors, windows and between heated and unheated areas of your home - such as garages, basements, attics, etc. A good check to see if stripping needs changing: close your door; if you see light coming through, the stripping needs changing.
-- If you have a gas heater or furnace, make sure you get a carbon monoxide detector before using the unit.
-- Make sure your pilot light (gas furnace) is lighted before the winter season starts. If you are not sure about lighting it yourself, call a heating and cooling professional to do it.
-- Keep the thermostat on your heating system at the lowest comfortable setting. Georgia Power recommends 68 degrees Fahrenheit. On the average, you consume five percent more energy for every degree it's set above 68 degrees. Consider using a programmable thermostat that adjusts the temperature automatically according to your schedule.
-- If you are going away for several days, lower the thermostat to 60 degrees, but not to "off." By setting the thermostat at 60, there will be less strain on your heating system when you return and it's time to reheat the house. Also, having some heat in the house will prevent damage, such as frozen or burst water pipes, from outside freezing temperatures.
-- Keep heating vents and registers clear. Make sure they are not blocked by draperies or furniture. The vents should also be cleaned regularly with a vacuum or broom.
-- Let the sun shine in. On sunny days, open drapes or blinds to allow natural solar heat to warm the house. Keep drapes and blinds closed on cloudy days and at night. Use insulated or heavy curtains on windows facing the north side of the house.
-- Make sure fireplace dampers fit tightly, and keep them closed when not using the fireplace. Add a glass fireplace screen, if possible.
-- Cover bare floors. Carpeting adds to comfort and heat retention, especially if there is little or no floor insulation.
-- Use a humidifier to keep your home more comfortable. Adding moisture allows you to reduce the thermostat setting without feeling colder.
-- Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to help maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Check the switch located on your ceiling fan or refer to your owner's manual for the proper direction of rotation.
-- If you have a window air conditioning unit, remove it for the winter months to prevent heat from escaping through and around the unit. If it can't be moved, put a cover over it to prevent drafts.
-- Check the R-value of insulation in your home. For existing homes, Georgia Power recommends R-30 in the ceiling, R-13 in the walls and R-11 in the floor for maximum comfort and energy efficiency. R-value is a measure of resistance to heat flow.
-----
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Fayette Front Page
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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Monday, December 1, 2008
Energy Efficiency Helps Consumers 'Weather' Heating Bills at Time of Economic Strain for Many, Says Alliance to Save Energy
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Even though winter energy price projections have come down, consumers already facing a tough economic climate are likely to be paying more to heat their homes this winter than they spent a year or two ago, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. High home heating costs make energy efficiency as timely as ever, says the Alliance, which also highlights new federal income tax credits for homeowners who make energy efficiency home improvements in 2009.
-- Those who heat with natural gas will spend almost $900 this winter, an
increase of about 4 percent over last winter and 9 percent over winter
2006-7.
-- Consumers using home heating oil will spend almost $1,700 this winter
- a decrease of 13 percent compared to last winter but an increase of
17 percent from 2006-7.
-- Propane users will spend about $1,550 this winter, a decrease of 8
percent from last winter but 15 percent more than two years ago.
-- Consumers with electric heat will spend almost $950 this winter,
almost 10 percent more than last winter and 14 percent more than two
years ago.
"The average U.S. household will spend $2,300 on home energy this year - 7 percent more than last year and 12 percent more than in 2006 - with winter heating bills taking a large 'bite' out of household budgets going into next year," noted Alliance President Kateri Callahan. "At a time of financial stress and strain for many, simple yet effective energy-saving steps are the way to go - not only to save money, but also to make homes more comfortable and help protect the environment.
"New federal income tax credits for energy efficiency home upgrades made in 2009 can partially offset the up-front cost of new equipment such as highly efficient furnaces and heat pumps or ENERGY STAR windows," she continued. "All the details are on the Alliance consumer website at www.ase.org/taxcredits.
"Another consideration is that powering the average U.S. home produces more than twice the greenhouse gas pollution as the average car - 25,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually compared with 12,000 pounds for a typical car," Callahan added. "So when you use energy efficiency to lower your home energy bills, you also are helping the planet."
The Alliance suggests the following winter home energy tips:
-- Smart Fix - Plug up leaks to the outside - Seal air leaks with
sealant, caulking, and weather stripping; and install appropriate
insulation for your climate to increase your comfort, make your home
quieter and cleaner, and reduce your heating (and summer cooling)
costs up to 20 percent. In 2009, these energy efficiency improvements
can also generate a federal income tax credit of up to $500 for 10
percent of the cost of the materials (but not installation).
-- Properly maintain your HVAC system. Just as a tune-up for your car
can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and
cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort. Consider a
semi-annual or yearly professional "tune-up" of the system to ensure
it is working efficiently. The federal government's ENERGY STAR
website can help you find a qualified individual
(www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_contractors_10tips).
-- Keep furnace filters clean. Check your filter every month, especially
during heavy use months (winter and summer), and change it if it looks
dirty. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter
will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you
warm or cool - wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust
and dirt from building up in the system - leading to expensive
maintenance and/or early system failure.
-- Let a programmable thermostat "remember for you" to lower the heat
while your home is empty and/or overnight to reduce heating costs by
up to 10 percent - and allow you to come home to and wake up to a
toasty, comfortable house.
-- Consider installing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling
equipment. If you have to replace your HVAC equipment, consider a
unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. Installed correctly, these
high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling
costs. Certain highly efficient models qualify for a federal income
tax credit in 2009.
-- Seal your heating and cooling ducts. In a typical house, about 20
percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to
leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Sealing and insulating
ducts increases efficiency, lowers home energy bills, and can often
pay for itself in energy savings. Also, a well-designed and sealed
duct system may make it possible to downsize to a smaller, less costly
heating and cooling system that will provide better dehumidification.
Insulate ducts in unheated areas such as attics, crawlspaces, and
garages with duct insulation that carries an R-value of 6 or higher.
-- Insulate your hot water storage tank according to manufacturer's
directions (being careful not to cover the thermostat or the burner
compartment in an oil- or natural gas-powered tank) and the first six
feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater,
too.
-- Open curtains and other window treatments on your west- and
south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally
heat your home, and close them at night.
-- Go "window shopping" at www.efficientwindows.org to discover how
high-performance ENERGY STAR-labeled windows can cut heating and
cooling costs by as much as 30 percent while increasing indoor comfort
and lessening fading of home furnishings. ENERGY STAR windows, too,
are eligible for a federal tax credit in 2009 - 10 percent of the cost
(but not installation) up to $200.
-- Also look for the ENERGY STAR label, the symbol of energy efficiency,
when replacing or buying appliances, electronics, lighting and many
other product categories. See www.energystar.gov for details on all 50
types of products.
Many more winter tips are available on the Alliance to Save Energy's consumer website at www.ase.org/consumers and http://www.ase.org/content/article/detail/924.
The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of prominent business, government, environmental, and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment, the economy, and national security.
-----
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Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
-- Those who heat with natural gas will spend almost $900 this winter, an
increase of about 4 percent over last winter and 9 percent over winter
2006-7.
-- Consumers using home heating oil will spend almost $1,700 this winter
- a decrease of 13 percent compared to last winter but an increase of
17 percent from 2006-7.
-- Propane users will spend about $1,550 this winter, a decrease of 8
percent from last winter but 15 percent more than two years ago.
-- Consumers with electric heat will spend almost $950 this winter,
almost 10 percent more than last winter and 14 percent more than two
years ago.
"The average U.S. household will spend $2,300 on home energy this year - 7 percent more than last year and 12 percent more than in 2006 - with winter heating bills taking a large 'bite' out of household budgets going into next year," noted Alliance President Kateri Callahan. "At a time of financial stress and strain for many, simple yet effective energy-saving steps are the way to go - not only to save money, but also to make homes more comfortable and help protect the environment.
"New federal income tax credits for energy efficiency home upgrades made in 2009 can partially offset the up-front cost of new equipment such as highly efficient furnaces and heat pumps or ENERGY STAR windows," she continued. "All the details are on the Alliance consumer website at www.ase.org/taxcredits.
"Another consideration is that powering the average U.S. home produces more than twice the greenhouse gas pollution as the average car - 25,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually compared with 12,000 pounds for a typical car," Callahan added. "So when you use energy efficiency to lower your home energy bills, you also are helping the planet."
The Alliance suggests the following winter home energy tips:
-- Smart Fix - Plug up leaks to the outside - Seal air leaks with
sealant, caulking, and weather stripping; and install appropriate
insulation for your climate to increase your comfort, make your home
quieter and cleaner, and reduce your heating (and summer cooling)
costs up to 20 percent. In 2009, these energy efficiency improvements
can also generate a federal income tax credit of up to $500 for 10
percent of the cost of the materials (but not installation).
-- Properly maintain your HVAC system. Just as a tune-up for your car
can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and
cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort. Consider a
semi-annual or yearly professional "tune-up" of the system to ensure
it is working efficiently. The federal government's ENERGY STAR
website can help you find a qualified individual
(www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_contractors_10tips).
-- Keep furnace filters clean. Check your filter every month, especially
during heavy use months (winter and summer), and change it if it looks
dirty. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter
will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you
warm or cool - wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust
and dirt from building up in the system - leading to expensive
maintenance and/or early system failure.
-- Let a programmable thermostat "remember for you" to lower the heat
while your home is empty and/or overnight to reduce heating costs by
up to 10 percent - and allow you to come home to and wake up to a
toasty, comfortable house.
-- Consider installing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling
equipment. If you have to replace your HVAC equipment, consider a
unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. Installed correctly, these
high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling
costs. Certain highly efficient models qualify for a federal income
tax credit in 2009.
-- Seal your heating and cooling ducts. In a typical house, about 20
percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to
leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Sealing and insulating
ducts increases efficiency, lowers home energy bills, and can often
pay for itself in energy savings. Also, a well-designed and sealed
duct system may make it possible to downsize to a smaller, less costly
heating and cooling system that will provide better dehumidification.
Insulate ducts in unheated areas such as attics, crawlspaces, and
garages with duct insulation that carries an R-value of 6 or higher.
-- Insulate your hot water storage tank according to manufacturer's
directions (being careful not to cover the thermostat or the burner
compartment in an oil- or natural gas-powered tank) and the first six
feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater,
too.
-- Open curtains and other window treatments on your west- and
south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally
heat your home, and close them at night.
-- Go "window shopping" at www.efficientwindows.org to discover how
high-performance ENERGY STAR-labeled windows can cut heating and
cooling costs by as much as 30 percent while increasing indoor comfort
and lessening fading of home furnishings. ENERGY STAR windows, too,
are eligible for a federal tax credit in 2009 - 10 percent of the cost
(but not installation) up to $200.
-- Also look for the ENERGY STAR label, the symbol of energy efficiency,
when replacing or buying appliances, electronics, lighting and many
other product categories. See www.energystar.gov for details on all 50
types of products.
Many more winter tips are available on the Alliance to Save Energy's consumer website at www.ase.org/consumers and http://www.ase.org/content/article/detail/924.
The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of prominent business, government, environmental, and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment, the economy, and national security.
-----
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