May is one of those months where things start to shift. School is winding down, summer plans are coming together, and many of our members are getting ready to spend a little more time away from home. Whether that’s a long weekend or a well-earned vacation, it’s a good time to think ahead, not just about travel plans, but about your home and energy use while you’re away.
A little preparation before you leave can make a difference on your next utility bill.
If you’re planning to be out of town, start with your thermostat. Raising it a few degrees in the summer, even just 5–7 degrees higher than your normal setting, can help reduce unnecessary cooling costs while no one is home. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, setting a schedule makes this even easier.
Next, take a look at what’s plugged in around your house. Electronics, small appliances and chargers can still draw power even when they’re not in use. Unplugging items like coffee makers, televisions, and gaming systems can help cut down on that “phantom” energy use.
Water heaters are another area to consider. If you’ll be gone for several days, lowering the temperature or switching it to vacation mode can reduce energy consumption without affecting your comfort when you return.
It’s also worth checking your lighting. Make sure unnecessary lights are turned off before you leave. If you prefer to keep a light on for security, consider using timers so lights turn on and off at set times instead of running continuously.
And finally, don’t forget about your outdoor setup. If you have irrigation systems, pool pumps, or other equipment on timers, double check those settings to ensure they’re running only as needed while you’re away.
These small steps don’t take much time, but they can add up to savings.
As always, our focus remains on providing reliable service to our members and helping you make informed decisions about your energy use. We appreciate the trust you place in us every day, and we’re here to support you through every season.
We hope you have a safe, relaxing start to summer and we look forward to continuing to serve you.
Michael Marcotte
Claiborne Electric General Manager & CEO