Factors that Impact Your Bill

The hottest weather of the year is upon us, and our home cooling systems will soon work overtime to keep the heat at bay. Extreme temperatures typically result in higher bills, and different factors can affect electricity prices.

With Tri-County EMC's mobile app, myTCEMC, you can view a summary of how much electricity you used during the billing cycle. You can even see how electricity use may have spiked on days when you used more electricity, such as a particularly hot day or when relatives were staying with you. But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.

Tri-County EMC purchases electricity from its power generation partners and delivers it to the cooperative's local communities. Purchasing that power accounts for a large portion of the cost of providing electric service to homes and businesses. Fuel costs, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply and demand. Tri-County EMC works closely with its wholesale provider to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for members.

Federal energy policies can have a profound impact on electricity costs. Because of stricter regulations for traditional energy generation, natural gas and coal plants require costly upgrades and technologies. These additional costs are ultimately passed on to consumers. U.S. power consumption is expected to double by 2050. Across the country, electric cooperatives are working with members of Congress to advocate for smart energy policies that reliably power our local communities. (34865001)

"While many of these external factors that impact electricity costs are out of our control, we all have the power to manage our energy use at home," says Energy Services Representative Jonathan Stewart. "As your local energy partner, Tri-County EMC is here to help." Members are encouraged to visit the online Energy Resource Center to learn about efficiency programs designed to maximize savings. As always, your EMC will continue working diligently to provide its members with reliable power at an affordable cost.

---

• Categories:
• Energy Resources

• Tags:
• summer heat
• bill
• energy
• washington
• generation

---