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Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill

Helpful Tips

Over the years we've heard many recommendations from customers on how they work to cut their energy bills.  We've combined some of those recommendations with tried and true ones from the experts.  The following list represents some of the ways you can help conserve energy and save on your next utility bill.

  • During the summer, set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher for air conditioning.  Set it to 85 degrees when you will be gone more than two days.  In the winter, set your thermostat as low as you can to remain comfortable; 68 degrees is recommended.
  • Close vents in rooms you don't use or that don't need to be heated or cooled.
  • Close blinds and drapes during the daylight hours to keep the heat out during the warm, summer months.
  • Install proper ceiling and attic insulation which can help cut costs by 25%.  Make sure your walls and floors are adequately insulated as well to keep air from escaping.
  • Caulk and weather-strip doors, windows, pipes, and ducts.
  • Install storm or thermal windows to keep warm/cool air inside.
  • Set water heater thermostat to 120 degrees or 140 for a dishwasher.  Install low-flow shower heads and faucets.
  • Use cold water in your washing maching and wash only full loads.
  • Wrap your water heater with a water blanket.  Add a timer on older models.
  • Open your refrigerator door only when necessary. Keep the coils on the back & bottom clean too.
  • Don't preheat your oven.  Use the stovetop or microwave instead when heating/cooking small quantities.
  • Turn lights off when not needed.
  • Keep pool cleaning and heating equipment clean and lubricated. And use a pool cover when not in use
Weather Insights

The City of New Bern, is proud to present Weather Insights! Weather Insights provides a 7-day weather forecast and an estimate of your energy bill for time period using the local weather and your electrical rate. This fun and informative application is designed to provide local weather data for New Bern and the surrounding area to help you make informed decisions about your utility use. Weather Insights gives you the ability to see how weather impacts your utility bill while also providing fast and easy ways to help control some costs.


Amounts shown in Weather Insights are calculated using a basic residence. By clicking below you can create a personalized profile for your home using size, number of residents, type of heating and cooling system, your typical thermostat setting, and more! Additionally, the online thermostat model tool allows you to see how adjusting your thermostat affects your energy cost.

Interested in learning more? Click below and get started today!


*All results of Weather Insights are approximations and some results may vary.