Rebates, measures can help lighten winter energy costs
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8/30/2008 - 8/31/08
If natural gas prices rise this winter as dramatically as they did in the spring, customers with Public Service Company of New Mexico will feel the bite in their pocketbooks.The state Public Regulation Commission this year gave PNM permission for the first time to charge customers extra when fossil fuel prices rise. But the company can only pass on the actual increase, which will show up on customer bills as "gas cost factor."
Five years ago, PNM was paying around $2 per million British thermal units of natural gas. In the spring, the price began climbing steadily, and by early summer it hit $12.50 per btu, according to Gary Murray, manager of PNM's gas-supply planning. He said the prices came back down a bit in August, but he thinks they are likely to creep up again in the winter. "We believe natural gas is in a longer term upward price trend," Murray said.
Customers see those costs as therms on their bills. If the price of natural gas is $10 per btu, a customer will pay $1 per therm. The average customer uses about 56 therms per month, but in the winter, use often doubles.
So what can customers do to soften the winter blow of higher gas and electric bills?
The first step is weather-stripping around doors and windows. Thick drapes or curtains on windows also help keep heat in.
Murray said one of the most important things customers should do is have gas furnaces serviced by a licensed, insured heating professional before the cold weather sets in. That can ensure the furnace works efficiently and can also prevent dangerous leaks. To make sure no complaints have been filed against a contractor, check with the New Mexico Construction Industry Division at www.rld.state.nm.us/cid/index.htm.
Customers can also save on heating costs by sealing off their evaporative coolers before winter. "If people don't do that, you would be amazed how much of your heat is lost through a swamp cooler if it is not sealed off properly," Murray said.
PNM also offers customers "budget billing." They can pay a set amount each month — based on their monthly average over the previous year — to avoid being hit with high bills in the winter months.
Kiva fireplaces are a highly ineffective way to heat a house, Murray said. At the least, people should keep the fireplace dampers closed when not in use.
Another good energy-saving measure is to install a programmable thermostat for forced air heating. The thermostats can be programmed to keep temperatures lower when a house is empty or at night and increase temperatures automatically at set times.
Los Amigos Education Resource Center in Santa Fe offers free weatherization programs for low-income households. Call them at 983-7743.
PNM also offers a variety of rebates for some energy-saving measures. Gas customers can receive a 25 percent rebate up to $500 on the cost of insulating attics, walls and crawl spaces; sealing leaking ductwork; testing and sealing places where cold air enters the building and more. For information about these programs, visit the Web site at www.pnm.com/rebates/products_contractor.htm.
PNM now has "how to" videos on its Web site in English and Spanish with instructions on changing the furnace filter, caulking or installing weather-stripping at www.pnm.com/customers/wx.htm.
For more information on hiring a contractor to inspect a heating system, visit the Web site at www.rld.state.nm.us/cid/wrkcontractor.htm.