Weather plays a major role in energy use. As the weather gets hotter or colder, your air conditioning or heating system has to work harder to maintain your thermostat setting. So the hotter or colder it gets outside, the more energy you use inside, even if you don't change your thermostat setting from one month to another.

And remember: Seasonal changes and having more people in your home during holidays and vacations can result in higher energy use. 

Your billing period can vary from 28 to 34 days, depending on when your meter is read. Consider this when comparing monthly bills, as the number of days in the billing period will impact the amount of energy used.

If your meter could not be read for any reason, your energy use will be estimated. (learn more about estimated bills). This means we will estimate your bill based on factors such as the energy you’ve used in the past and the time of year. If a meter is estimated, it will be indicated in the Usage Profile box at the top right of your bill..

Your energy costs could fluctuate from conditions inside your home such as door traffic, use of curtains and even extra appliance usage when you are inside for longer periods in the winter.

 

Adding or changing appliances will impact the bill. For example, buying a new refrigerator while keeping the old one running in the basement or installing a larger capacity washing machine will increase usage. Even temporary use of appliances, such as space heaters, can add to your energy costs.

BGE investigates new technology and implements programs to help customers conserve and manage energy use. BGE's Smart Energy Savers Program^® is a family of smart choices that will help you conserve energy, save money and help the environment. Learn more about BGE's Smart Energy Savers Program^®.

 

BGE works to ensure the accuracy and integrity of its metering equipment by performing annual inspections and tests on random samples of meters.

In the winter, lower your thermostat setting. For every degree you lower your thermostat below 73° F, you can save 2-4% in heating costs.

In the summer, set your thermostat at 78° or higher. For every degree you raise your thermostat setting above 72° F, you can save 5-7% on your cooling costs.
 

Heating water is the second biggest energy drain in your home. Long showers use 20 gallons or more of hot water. A shower that takes half the time can reduce water heating costs dramatically.

 

Learn more about Budget Billing. This free program helps customers manage their bills by spreading out their utility payments throughout the year.