Utility Warns Customers of Higher-Than Usual Summer Bills

MAYS LANDING, N.J. - Atlantic City Electric officials are warning of higher-than-usual summer energy bills, citing electricity use is up 20 percent among its residential customers from this same time last year.

"The intense hot temperatures this summer have increased electricity use," said Charlie Wimberg, Atlantic City Electric Region Vice President. "As a result, customer's air conditioners, fans and other cooling appliances must run constantly in order to maintain satisfactory cooling requirements. Unfortunately, higher electricity usage equates to increased monthly energy bills."

Wimberg said the company regularly encourages customers to reduce their energy use to save on their monthly bill. It does this through many communication channels, such as the company website, social media, news releases, customer newsletters, bill messages and bill insertions.

"We recognize that the high energy bills that stem from summer heat waves can create a financial hardship for our customers. This is why we continue to provide them with ways to reduce their energy use to save on their bill," Wimberg said.

He added that customers who struggle to pay their electricity bills should contact the company's Customer Care center at 1-800-642-3780 for information on financial assistance or to arrange a flexible payment plan.

In addition, Atlantic City Electric suggests the following ways for customers to save on their summer bills:

• Register to use My Account, a Web-based interactive tool that is free and easy to use, at www.atlanticcityelectric.com. My Account provides customers with a detailed analysis of their specific electricity use and offers ways they can reduce their use to save on their monthly energy bills.
• Set your air conditioner's thermostat between 75-78 degrees, if your health permits. Remember every degree raised on the thermostat can save as much as three percent on the energy bill.
• Have the air conditioning system checked by a licensed technician to ensure it is in good working condition.
• Change your air conditioner filter. A dirty filter causes the unit to run longer and inefficiently.
• Close window shades, blinds, or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
• Move lamps, TVs, and other heat-producing items away from the air conditioner's thermostat. Heat from these appliances could cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary. Turn these appliances off when they're not being used.
• Check that all windows and doors are tightly closed to keep cool air in and hot air out.
• When possible, cook and use other heat-generating appliances, such as washers, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late evening when it usually is cooler.
• Wash clothes in cold water and line dry.
• Use dishwashers only when fully loaded. Dishwashers use the same amount of electricity whether they're full or empty. Use the air-dry option if your unit has one.
• Consider preparing light summer meals that don't require a lot of cooking. If possible, use an outdoor grill or microwave oven for cooking.

Atlantic City Electric encourages customers to call 1-800-642-3780 or visit their Web site at www.atlanticcityelectric.com for additional information on saving energy and money in their homes or businesses or to enroll in Budget Billing, a fixed payment plan based on the customer's 12-month average bill.

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Atlantic City Electric, a public utility owned by Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), provides safe, reliable and affordable regulated electric delivery services to more than 547,000 customers in southern New Jersey.