How to save energy as cold weather moves into DMV

DMV residents may want to bundle up — and buckle up — because the first cold snap of the season is here.

Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing early this week.

“Similar to last year, this is like practice right before that big cold winter comes in,” so you can get ready now for it,” said Pepco Senior Communications Specialist Chuck McDade. “And the first line of advice I give to our customers, go to my account and sign up for usage alerts.”

Pepco wants to remind customers how to save a little money on energy costs.

“Usage alert is a great tool,” McDade said. “So whatever your average monthly bill is, if you want to stay within that dollar range, you can put that into the system, and as you approach that limit, you’ll get warnings that say, ‘Hey, you’re using more energy than you did the day before.’”

Tips to save energy

• Make sure you turn lights off you’re not using
• Unplug devices that are finished charging
• Weatherize your home by sealing drafty doors or windows
• Make sure your hvac system is working properly

Help for federal workers

Cutting energy costs is likely crucial for many more families this year as the government shutdown continues. Pepco is offering help to federal workers who are going without a paycheck.

“That includes flexible payment arrangements,” McDade said. “So that means a 12 month period to pay your bill or to get caught up.”

Pepco representatives say federal workers in need of assistance should call the company directly to go through all of the options available to them.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is also making sure federal workers can afford energy costs. He allocated $10.1 million to help folks who are not receiving federal energy assistance benefits.