Weather, Usage and Managing Your Energy Costs

If January felt colder than usual, you weren’t imagining it. 

We experienced prolonged stretches of below-average temperatures, along with several days of bitter wind chills that kept furnaces running almost nonstop. When temperatures drop and stay low for extended periods, energy use rises accordingly. Heating systems work harder and longer to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, and that increase in kilowatt-hour use is reflected on February electric bills. 

At URE, we closely monitor weather patterns and overall energy usage on the system throughout the winter months. Cold weather doesn’t just affect individual households, it drives up overall electric demand across our entire service territory. During January’s cold snaps, members used significantly more electricity to heat homes and power appliances that tend to run more during the winter months. 

Because your electric bill is based on the amount of energy you use, higher use during extreme weather results in higher bills the following month. The most recent February bill reflects January use, so if your bill was higher than normal, the extended cold was likely the primary reason. 

While we can’t control the weather, we can help you take steps to manage your energy use and costs. 

One of the best tools available to members is SmartHub. Through the SmartHub app or online portal, you can monitor your daily and monthly energy use, compare use to previous billing periods, and set up usage alerts. SmartHub’s Home Energy Analytics feature also allows residential members to access detailed information about their energy footprint throughout the day, offering insights into when and how electricity is being used in the home. These features allow you to see how cold weather affects your consumption in near real time. If you notice a spike in use during a particularly cold day or week, you can make small adjustments, such as lowering your thermostat a degree or two or reducing supplemental electric heat, to help offset costs. If you haven’t already explored these features, I encourage you to log in and take advantage of the tools available at your fingertips. 

In addition to monitoring energy use, URE offers a variety of rebates and energy efficiency programs designed to help members reduce long-term energy costs. Rebates are available for qualifying dual-fuel heat pumps, electric water heaters, and other energy-saving upgrades. Investing in even inexpensive efficiency upgrades can reduce energy consumption, particularly during extreme weather months like January. 

If you’re considering a heating system upgrade or other efficiency improvements, be sure to review our rebate programs first. Members can find detailed rebate information and eligibility requirements on our website at ure.com. Our team is also happy to answer questions and help you decide which options may be the best fit for your home.

For members looking for additional stability in their monthly expenses, we also offer fixed budget billing. This program averages your annual usage to create a consistent monthly bill, helping smooth out seasonal highs and lows. For many households, budget billing provides added peace of mind during peak winter and summer months. To learn more about the program’s benefits and eligibility requirements, visit ure.com. 

As your cooperative, we are focused on delivering reliable power at the lowest possible cost while providing tools and programs that benefit you. Weather will always influence energy use, especially during Ohio winters, but with the right information and resources, you can better manage its impact on your household budget. If you have questions about your bill, SmartHub, or available rebates, please don’t hesitate to contact our member services team. We’re here to help, both during cold snaps and all year long. After all  – URE is YOUR electric cooperative.