Summer Guide
Our Tips For Saving Money This Summer
This summer may be a hot one, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take control of your costs with Hourly Pricing. We’ve put together a few important tips so you can enjoy the warm weather and cool savings this summer.
When To Shift And Save
Increase your savings potential by shifting your energy use away from higher-priced hours. During summer, prices are typically highest on weekdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. It’s as simple as running your dishwasher, using air conditioning, and doing laundry when prices are lower.
*Based on average prices for June 2018 through December 2021
Don’t Miss Out On Hourly Pricing Alerts
Hourly Pricing Alerts can help you save by notifying you when electricity prices are trending higher or if energy is expected to be in high demand the following day so you can take action.
Subscribe to or update your alert notification preferences by logging in to your My Hourly Pricing Account. Alerts can be sent to you via email, text message, or phone call. Real-time and day-ahead prices are available on the Live Prices webpage, the ComEd mobile app, and by calling 888-202-7787.
What Is Capacity Charge?
The Capacity Charge covers ComEd’s costs to reserve enough electricity to meet demand, including peak hours. Capacity Charge is based on your usage during the previous year’s summer. Reducing usage during hours of high demand this summer will reduce the Capacity Charge on your bills from June 2023 through May 2024.
How Do You Cool Your Home?
Pre-cooling your home is your biggest saving opportunity. It’s simple and easy. Lower your thermostat during the night and early morning and set it to a higher temperature during the afternoon.
Pre-cooling will help keep your home cool throughout the day, reducing the need to run your air conditioner when prices are typically higher.
Remember to close your blinds during the day to keep the sun from heating your home.
Set your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise in the summer to push air down for a cooling effect.
Remember to close your blinds during the day to keep the sun from heating your home. Open windows at night for cool, fresh air.
Run your window air conditioner during the night and early morning when prices are typically lower and turn it off when you’re not at home.
Close your blinds during the day, so your home will retain this cool air. You’ll reduce the need to run your air conditioner when prices are typically higher.
Ever wondered how much energy your home appliances use? Check out ComEd’s Energy Usage Guide for more information.
4 More Tips To Help You Save
Dishwashers and laundry machines use a lot of energy and release unwanted heat. To help you stay cool and keep costs low this summer, run your dishwasher at night and do laundry on the weekend.
Take advantage of beautiful summer nights and opt for cooking outside on the grill instead of using your stove or oven. You’ll use less energy and keep the excess heat out of your home.
Automate your savings and connect your smart thermostat to If This Then That (IFTTT) for even more control at ComEd.com/IFTTT. Don’t have a smart thermostat? Head to ComEdMarketplace.com to get instant rebates and discounts on energy-efficient products for your home that can help you save.
Preventing air leaks is one of the best ways to keep warm air out and cool air in. Simple caulking and weather-stripping can help you save on heating and cooling costs.
Poll: What Motivates You To Reduce Your Energy Consumption?
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Even if you are spending more time at home these days, you can still save.
ComEd Smart Assistance Manager (SAM) is a self-service tool that delivers personalized assistance, payment, and savings recommendations based on your usage and billing history. You can verify program requirements and find tips and offerings to help you save. Visit ComEd.com/SAM.
If you prefer a consistent and predictable monthly payment throughout the year that eliminates monthly variation, Budget Billing spreads costs evenly month to month by charging a pre-arranged amount with each bill. Learn more at ComEd.com/BillingOptions.
From all of us on ComEd’s Hourly Pricing Team, have a fun-filled summer!