NV Energy rolls out program, offers tips for cutting summer power bills

By Daniel Rothberg

Tuesday, June 21, 2016 | 2 a.m.

With summer temperatures hitting the Las Vegas Valley and an excessive heat warning in effect, many NV Energy customers are looking at higher electricity bills as they try to keep their homes or apartments cool.

Using the air conditioning can be effective but costly. Air conditioning, according to NV Energy, typically makes up half of a summer power bill. When customers turn the air on at once, it can also place a strain on the grid. And it's not a problem that is unique to Nevada. California regulators on Monday called on power users to conserve energy during a heat wave that is sweeping through much of the Southwest.

To help power users conserve power, NV Energy has organized energy efficiency resources for customers under PowerShift, a customer-service program that helps consumers find ways to save on their bills. Customers can use the PowerShift website to find information about rebates on air conditioning, smart thermostats and energy-efficient lighting.

“With PowerShift by NV Energy, we want to remind our customers that they can effectively manage their energy use by taking full advantage of the services we offer to help them minimize the impacts of the hot summer weather,” Pat Egan, senior vice president of customer operations, said in a media release.

In addition, NV Energy and the U.S. Department of Energy offer several tips for conserving power during the summer:

Use a smart thermostat: NV Energy estimates that this tool can help residential utility customers shave 10-15 percent off their monthly cooling costs. A smart thermostat allows customers to control the temperature from a mobile app and create a custom schedule, based on time and day of the week, for cooling. It also helps NV Energy handle times of high demand, when providing energy is more expensive.

Keep your air conditioner clean: It’s important to stay up on air conditioner maintenance by regularly changing filters and cleaning the system's coils. NV Energy offers rebates on certain improvements.

Try not to unintentionally heat your home: On hot days, avoid the stove and try to grill outside. Cooking inside can increase the heat and therefore the cost of cooling down a home. Try to install energy-efficient lighting. Traditional light bulbs convert the majority of the electricity they use into heat. It’s also important to check that hot air is not sneaking into a home through leaks around doors or windows.

Don’t forget about the fan: The Department of Energy says using a ceiling fan should allow you to raise your thermostat about four degrees. Areas that generate a lot of heat or humidity, such as a bathroom, a kitchen or a laundry area, can also benefit from ceiling fans or small fans. The idea is that using a fan to target specific areas can reduce heat more efficiently than putting the air conditioning on max.

Conduct an energy audit: To get the most out from energy-efficient upgrades, the Department of Energy recommends a full home energy assessment, which involves checking everything from air leaks to cooling equipment. These assessments can be conducted by a professional or by a homeowner.