Each season has its own unique characteristics. The change from bone-chilling cold to spring-like conditions impacts more than your coat choice and where you spend your time, but it also impacts your monthly energy bill.
See also: What Goes into Your Monthly I&M Bill
It is important to know how changing seasons can impact your energy use. In the spring, while the mornings may start cooler, the sun still powers a warmup that allows windows to be opened and more time to be enjoyed outdoors. This differs from winter, which often requires more time inside and increased reliance on a heating system for daily comfort.
The amount of energy you use each month is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh), which is important in determining your monthly bill. The Current Bill Summary section of a monthly bill will highlight the total energy used in kWh and charges within the billing period. Customers can access the Usage History (kWh) section to see how energy used in one month compares to that over the last 12 months.
The energy needed to stay comfortable inside can vary each month - whether temperatures drop below zero or reach triple digits. For example, we can use windows in the summer for a nice breeze, but extreme heat will make an air conditioning unit critical. This is similar for winter, however, the reliance on a heating system is more notable as windows are sealed to keep out the chill. As we use cooling or heating systems more frequently, their work to meet our desired settings will take more energy if set low or high enough in contrast to the outdoors.
With your smart meter, the Weekly Energy Update (WEU), can be beneficial as the seasons shift. By regularly reviewing your Weekly Energy Update (WEU), you can track weekly use and identify saving opportunities fit for your home.
Not sure where to find your update? Access your I&M account and head to Account Settings. Adjust the preference to automatically receive your Weekly Energy Update (WEU) in the Usage Notification Preferences. Don’t have an online account? Visit the account page on our website to register with an active email address along with phone number, address or account number.