Transcript
LINES AT L A N T I C C I T Y E L E C T R I C . C O M
We Can Help with Higher Winter Bills Many customers may be experiencing higher energy bills this winter. Here’s why: A drop in temperature during the cold winter months typically means you’ll be turning up your heat. For customers with heat pumps, those devices operate more efficiently when outside temperatures are above 35°F. Atlantic City Electric recommends the thermostat be set at 68°F. Programmable heat pump thermostats help you save money by letting you automatically adjust the temperature in your home at various times. But manually raising the temperature can cause your auxiliary heat to come on, using more energy than you may have saved by turning your thermostat down. Also, some bills may include more days in the billing cycle because of the holiday schedule. Atlantic City Electric understands that high energy bills are a major concern, especially during the cold weather season and coupled with the current economy. If you’re having difficulty making a payment, give us a call at 1-800-642-3780 before your bill gets unmanageable.
If you’re having difficulty making a payment, give us a call at 1-800-642-3780 before your bill gets unmanageable.
F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 2
Debunking Energy Myths Confused about some of the information available to help you save energy and reduce your utility bill? The following will help clear up a typical misconception around setting the thermostat. Myth: It takes less energy to have my thermostat maintain a comfortable temperature while I’m away than it does to have it heat up or cool down my house when I get home. Fact: If you’ll be away from home for more than a few hours, then it is more cost-effective to turn on the heat or air conditioner once you get back than to maintain a comfortable temperature while you’re gone. Energy Star recommends adjusting your thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter by 8 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re asleep or away from home.* *Source: Energy Star and E-Source
We can recommend payment arrangements where appropriate and can discuss alternative payment plans such as our Budget Billing program. Budget Billing allows you to make a fixed monthly payment and avoid cost spikes. We also can direct you to government assistance programs that offer help to customers based on income guidelines. And don’t forget to visit atlanticcityelectric.com and sign up for My Account. With this online energy tool, you can analyze your bill and find ways to better manage energy use.
POWER OUT? CALL 1-800-833-7476
March
Utility Safety for Snowy Weather
THINGS TO DO IN THE REGION
Snowstorms are great for those who enjoy sledding and other winter activities. But heavy accumulation could prevent home appliances from safe and proper operation. Use the tips below to clear blocked vents, snow-covered utility equipment and provide access to emergency personnel. Identify electric and gas facilities such as meters, valves and piping. Carefully clear away snow and ice from all utility equipment so it can be seen. Damage from accidentally striking utility devices could cause service interruptions. If you have a heat pump, remove snow from the outdoor unit with a broom to keep air circulating and the unit operating efficiently. Remove snow away from outdoor vents to ensure water heaters, gas fireplaces and clothes dryers have an uninterrupted fresh air supply and a clear exhaust path. Remember also that heavy snow and ice can bring down power lines. If you see a downed wire, keep yourself and others away. Call Atlantic City Electric immediately at 1-800-833-7476.
Earned Income Tax Credit — A Tax Break for Working Families The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit for working families and individuals. It increases the amount refunded to a taxpayer or reduces the amount of tax owed. The amount of the credit varies according to income and family size. New Jersey wage earners also can take advantage of the state’s own EITC program. Residents who are eligible and file for a federal earned income credit can receive a New Jersey credit in the amount equal to 20 percent of their federal benefit. For more information about who is eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Also contact the New Jersey Department of Taxation at 888-895-9179.
New Jersey (Area codes 609, 856) Mar 3: Kids Winter Workshop: Victorian Music & John Philip Sousa; Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., Cape May; 609-884-5404 or 800275-4278, www.capemaymac.org. Mar 4: Kid’s Light Up the Arts: Painting Tiles & Murals; Absecon Lighthouse, 31 S. Rhode Island Ave., Atlantic City; 609-449-1360. Mar 10: Wings over LBI; Barnegat Lighthouse Visitor Center, 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light City; 609494-2016, www.friendsofbarnegatlighthouse.org. Mar 11: Kid’s Light Up the Arts Exhibit & Reception; Absecon Lighthouse, 31 S. Rhode Island Ave., Atlantic City; 609-449-1360. Mar 17: Story: Finn McCool & Other Tall Tales; Appel Farm Arts & Music Center, 457 Shirley Rd., Elmer; www.appelfarm.org. Mar 19: Friends of the Cape May Lighthouse Spring Expedition 2012; Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., Cape May; 609-884-5404 or 800-2754278, www.capemaymac.org. Mar 22: 29th Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala; Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino, 1900 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City; 609-463-4672,
[email protected], www.atlantic.edu/gala. Mar 23: Bingo Coach Purse Party; Kerri-Brooke Caterers, 755 S. WHP, Hammonton; 609-287-2539, www.njqueenofhearts.org. Mar 25: Oyster & Ham Dinner; Port Norris Fire Hall, 6858 Brown St., Port Norris; 856-785-2562, www.portnorrisfire.com. Mar 31: The Fun and Funny Juggling Show; Appel Farm Arts & Music Center, 457 Shirley Rd., Elmer; www.appelfarm.org.
FOR MORE THINGS TO DO IN THE REGION, click on “About Us” and then “In the Community” at atlanticcityelectric.com. To include a future event either in LINES or online, fax to: 302-283-6095, or email:
[email protected].
Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/acelecconnect.
110-01-12/ACE
30906-I-0081
Customer Service, Mon-Fri, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.: (800) 642-3780 TTY Telephone Number for Hearing Impaired: (800) 898-8056 To Report Power Outages: (800) 833-7476
