WASHINTON (DC News Now) — As summer temperatures rise and air conditioners begin working overtime, many residents across the District, Maryland and Virginia are bracing for higher electricity bills.
Energy experts and regulators have warned that electricity costs could continue increasing as demand grows and power generation becomes more expensive. Last year’s PJM capacity auction, which affects electricity prices for much of the Mid-Atlantic, saw costs surge dramatically, contributing to concerns about higher utility bills for millions of customers.
For consumers feeling the squeeze, assistance may be available through a combination of government programs, utility company initiatives and energy-efficiency incentives.
State Assistance Programs
One of the first places residents can turn is their state’s energy assistance programs.
In the District, residents can apply through the Department of Energy and Environment. There are energy assistance and energy discount programs. Household size and income determine eligibility, and are available here.
Maryland residents can seek help through the Department of Human Services. There are grants available depending on income and energy usage. There is also assistance for retired customers who are behind on their bills.
Virginians can contact the Department of Social Services for information on cooling assistance.
Talk to your utility provider if you’re in trouble
Consumer advocates also encourage residents who are struggling to pay their utility bills to contact their utility company before falling behind.
Many electric and gas providers offer payment plans, budget billing options and hardship assistance programs that can help customers spread costs throughout the year. Some programs may also help reduce or eliminate portions of past-due balances for qualifying customers.
Weatherization Assistance
Another often-overlooked source of savings is weatherization assistance.
Programs available throughout the region may help eligible households improve energy efficiency through measures such as insulation, air sealing, ductwork improvements and energy audits. These upgrades can reduce energy consumption and lower monthly utility bills over time.
Peak usage programs
Utility providers try to manage demand by offering rebates to customers who abstain from using electricity during high-demand times. In Virginia, Dominion Energy customers can register to participate in the Peak Times Rebate program.
Pepco customers can participate in a Time-of-Use-Rate, which incentivizes households to avoid using electricity during high-demand periods of the day, typically seen from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Maximize rebates
Even households that do not qualify for income-based assistance may be able to save money through utility rebates and federal energy-efficiency incentives.
Many utility companies offer rebates for smart thermostats, insulation projects, heat pumps and other energy-efficient home improvements. Federal tax incentives may also be available for certain qualifying upgrades.
PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator that serves all or part of 13 states and the District of Columbia, reported a sharp increase in capacity costs during its most recent auction. Energy analysts and policymakers have pointed to a variety of factors driving higher demand, including economic growth, electrification and the rapid expansion of data centers in Northern Virginia and elsewhere.
Some analyses have estimated that residential customers could see monthly bill increases ranging from roughly $14 to $37, depending on their utility service area and electricity usage.
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