Manage Costs This Summer with National Grid’s Energy Efficiency Tips
WALTHAM, MA – With summer weather on the horizon, staying cool means being comfortable and healthy.
National Grid is encouraging customers to utilize energy efficiency tips and billing assistance programs to help them stay safe and manage their energy costs.
"With summer right around the corner, we understand customers will use more electricity to cool their homes," said Bill Malee, Chief Customer Officer, National Grid. "We encourage our customers to consider several low- and no-cost strategies to reduce their energy usage and save money. National Grid also reminds customers we are here to help manage your energy bill through tools like our new Payment Assistance Bundle."
Manage Energy Costs When the Summer Heat Arrives:
- Adjust thermostats. Setting a thermostat to a higher, reasonable temperature while at home and adjusting it even higher when away from home can help save energy. Lowering the thermostat below the desired setting will not cool a home faster and may result in unnecessary energy consumption.
- Run fans with air conditioning. Oscillating or box fans near air conditioning vents can improve cold air flow throughout a room.
- Close window coverings. Ambient sunlight can heat a room. Turning off unused lighting and drawing window blinds to reduce heat will keep air conditioning from running more than needed.
- Charge electric vehicles overnight. Shifting electric vehicle charging to overnight hours can earn customers off-peak charging rewards and reduce stress on the grid.
- Visit ngrid.com/hereforyou to learn about our residential, multi-family, and commercial energy efficiency programs and rebates, and find more information on ways to save energy and reduce energy costs.
Tips for Improving Energy-Efficient at Home:
- Sign up for a Home Energy Assessment. National Grid connects customers with an energy specialist who will create a customized energy report and provide energy-saving products, such as advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, and programmable thermostats, all at no cost.
- Weatherize homes with insulation and air sealing upgrades. Properly insulating and sealing a home are cost-effective ways to boost energy efficiency. Weatherization can help lower heating and cooling costs by up to 15 percent and decrease drafts to improve comfort and humidity control all year long. Customers may qualify for 75-100 percent off approved insulation and air sealing improvements after completing a home energy assessment.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy, last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting, and emit less heat.
- Service cooling equipment. Proactively scheduling maintenance for central air conditioning or heat pump systems helps ensure the unit is running efficiently before peak summer use.
- Replace air filters. Check air filters every 1-2 months during the summer. Dirty filters can restrict airflow forcing a system to work harder, reducing its efficiency. Clean filters help air conditioners work better and last longer.
- Vacuum air intake vents and keep them clear. Vacuum air vents to remove dust and move household items away from intake vents to keep the airflow moving.
- Consider installing a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats offer greater control of energy usage anytime and anywhere. Eligible models can earn rewards through the ConnectedSolutions program for small temperature adjustments during the hottest days of summer. Instant rebates on smart thermostats are available through the Mass Save marketplace.
- Prep for any planned time away from home. If there is a road trip or vacation on the calendar, take extra steps, such as turning up the thermostat to prevent air conditioning from running while no one is home.
Help with Managing Energy Bills:
National Grid customers can now sign up for a new Payment Assistance Bundle. The bundle combines three helpful solutions to make it easier for managing energy costs and paying down past due amounts over a 12-month period.
- Deferred Payment Agreement: Spread out past-due balance into future monthly payments.
- Automatic Monthly Payments: Automatically deduct payments from your bank account each month and avoid missing due dates.
- Budget Plan: Break down annual energy costs into balanced monthly payments, making it easier to budget and plan expenses.
Customers interested in enrolling in the Payment Assistance Bundle or a separate payment agreement should contact a Customer Service Specialist at 1-800-233-5325. National Grid encourages Massachusetts customers to learn more about all our Bill Assistance programs and services by visiting ngrid.com/hereforyou.
Discount Rates: Income-eligible customers may qualify for a discounted rate on energy service. To be eligible, applicants must be a National Grid customer and already enrolled in an eligible benefit program or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Visit the Discount Rate application to determine eligibility and apply.
