Predictions for a cooler summer may lower Maryland consumers? electric bills which will help a great deal with higher electric rates and shorter supplies.
According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rising gas prices will fuel increased electricity costs. Electricity generation plants run off fuel with natural gas accounting for 20 percent and coal 50 percent of a plant?s consumption requirements.
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) customers electric rates are locked in for the summer at $0.10713 per kilowatt hour. The rates are good from June 1 to May 31, 2008 since the power was purchased at auction a few months ago.
The National Weather Service?s 90-day forecast for the mid-Atlantic region indicates that summer temperatures will be much cooler than in 2006, the second-warmest since 1936, and will resemble more spring-like weather.
Dennis Feltger, a meteorologist and public information officer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said the Baltimore area can expect cooler temperatures this June compared with June 2006 because warmer temperatures will remain on average for the month as opposed to last year?s record hot days.
“The summer of 2007 in Baltimore will average out with normal temperatures,” Feltger said. “There are equal chances of below or above normal precipitation.”
Lower temperatures should help reduce the demand for consumers use of air conditioning and fans which add 15 to 21 percent to monthly utility bills. Constellation Energy and BGE officials suggest customers employ additional cost-saving methods to keep more change in their pockets.
“To increase savings customers should keep blinds and curtains closed during the day to keep the sun?s heat out,” according to Constellation Energy Communications Consultant Linda Foy.
“Using a programmable thermostat and setting it to 78 degrees or higher, if health allows, especially when no one is home is another way,” she said. “Taking 10 minute showers or less; using heat generating appliances in the evening when temperatures are cooler and grilling outside instead of using a stove.”
