Idaho Falls, ID – Idaho Falls Power sees its highest peak energy use during the winter months. This is inevitably a result of customers using more energy to heat their homes to combat the cold temperatures that affect our region.

The more energy we use at home, means the more money we spend on electricity. As a community-owned utility, Idaho Falls Power strives to save our customers as much money as possible. We keep our electric rates as low as we possibly can, in fact, making them some of the lowest in the country. But, even with low rates, it still costs to use electricity.

Here’s a few quick tips for save energy, save money and stay comfortable during the cold winter months.

• Take advantage of heat from the sun. Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
• Cover drafty windows. Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheets on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
• Adjust the temperature. When you are home and awake, set you thermostat as low as is comfortable. When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees. A smart or programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.
• Find and seal leaks. Seal the air leaks around utility cut-throughs for pips, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. Add caulk or weather stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
• Maintain your heating systems. Schedule service for your heating system. For furnaces and heat pumps, replace filters once a month or as needed.
• Lower your water-heating costs. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120 degrees).

For more information on Idaho Falls Power energy efficiency programs, visit ifpower.org or call 208-612-8430.

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Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with city staff, contact City of Idaho Falls Public Information Officer, Bud Cranor at 208-612-8306..

About Idaho Falls Power: Idaho Falls Power is a municipal electric utility serving the corporate city limits of Idaho Falls, Idaho. The City has operated the utility continuously since its establishment in 1900. Learn more on our website.