Public Service Commission

Conservation is key

Conservation Is Key to Keeping Energy Costs Manageable

ATLANTA, December 20, 2004 - With the onset of severely cold weather, the Georgia Public Service Commission advises consumers to take measures to keep their energy costs manageable. There are many "low" or "no" cost conservation measures you can take to insure that your bills are reasonable through the remainder of the heating season. Following is a list of conservation measures you may consider implementing:

• Have all gas appliances checked by a qualified heating contractor to make sure they are in proper working condition.
• Set your thermostat at 68 degrees.
• Lower your thermostat to 65 degrees if you plan to be away for more than a couple of hours.
• Use "draft blockers" at the base of your doors (rolled up towel or a small blanket are a great alternative to store bought ones).
• Decrease the amount of time you spend taking a shower.
• Wear long sleeve clothing or a sweater or light jacket while at home.
• Use the cold water setting on your washer for rinsing your clothes.
• Preheat oven no more than five minutes before beginning to bake.
• Open curtains during the day to allow sunlight to enter; close curtains at sunset to help lessen the loss of heat through windows.
• Repair leaky hot water faucets.
• Set hot water temperature at no more than 120 degrees.

If you have trouble paying your gas bill, contact your marketer (if in the Atlanta Gas Light delivery area) or your gas utility immediately to arrange a payment plan. Don't wait until your gas is about to be disconnected! Consider "Budget Billing" from your natural gas marketer (if in the Atlanta Gas Light delivery area) or your gas utility to spread out annual gas bill payments throughout the year. If you are unable to establish a natural gas account with one of the certificated natural gas marketers (in the Atlanta Gas Light delivery area), contact the Regulated Provider (currently Scana Energy Regulated Division) at 1-866-245-7742. More information on these and other consumer tips is available on the Public Service Commission website, www.psc.state.ga.us.

If you require additional assistance, contact us.