Albany Utilities officials offering tips on conserving energy and lowering bills

ALBANY, Ga. – Officials with the Albany Utilities Department say they aren’t currently offering any relief programs for people with high utility bills but they are offering some tips on how to lower the monthly payment by decreasing energy consumption.

“This year, of course, it’s been different because most people are at home now due to COVID-19 and of course it’s been so hot so we’re using our air conditioning  so therefore the air conditioning is going to run more,” says Energy Conservation Manager Carolyn Mathis.

To help cold air stay in and hot air out, Mathis recommends sealing up any cracks.

“Making sure that your windows and doors are sealed properly, I’m sure that you can probably go to Lowe’s or Home Depot and find items where you can put in the doorways so there is no additional air seeping out or hot air coming in.”

Mathis also recommends keeping the thermostat anywhere from 75 to 80 degrees.

“If that’s not comfortable for you then by all means turn it down to where it’s more comfortable but understand it’s going to cause your bill to be slightly higher.”

Although bills may be higher due to keeping the air conditioning running, Mathis says prices haven’t gone up.

“The prices have not gone up its just that the cost is so high because we have extremely hot weather in Southwest Georgia. There’s no way to not have an increase.”