As summer temperatures rise, so can our electric bills—especially with air conditioners running around the clock. At CHELCO, we understand the strain this can place on your wallet. As your local, not-for-profit electric cooperative, we’re committed to helping you stay cool while keeping your energy costs in check.
That’s why we offer a variety of energy-saving tools and programs designed with your comfort—and your budget—in mind.

Home Energy Audits        

CHELCO’s energy advisors can perform an in-person energy audit to pinpoint where your home may be losing energy. From insulation and windows to air leaks and appliances, we’ll help you identify areas for improvement and offer practical recommendations to boost efficiency and reduce your monthly bills.

Prefer a DIY approach? Our virtual energy assessment tools allow you to evaluate your home’s energy use in minutes. Just visit the Energy Calculators page at www.chelco.com/energy-calculators for instant feedback and savings tips.

Rewarding Smart Energy Choices    

When you invest in energy-efficient upgrades, we believe you should be rewarded. CHELCO offers rebates on a variety of purchases, including electric vehicles, heat pumps, water heaters, and more. Learn more about how to earn bill credits by visiting www.chelco.com/rebates.

One standout opportunity is our Switch to Save program, which we reintroduced last year with more incentives! This voluntary initiative helps manage electricity demand by installing a load control switch (LCS) on your electric water heater. The switch is activated sparingly for short periods of time, helping us reduce strain on the system and saving everyone money. 

As a thank-you for participating:

• You’ll receive a one-time $25 bill credit when the switch is installed.
• You’ll continue to receive a $3 monthly credit as long as the switch remains in place.
• It’s an easy way to support your cooperative—and your budget.

Tips to Tame Your Summer Bill    

Every small step adds up. Here are some simple ways to stay comfortable while keeping your energy use in check:

• Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air—but remember to turn them off when leaving the room. Fans cool people, not rooms.
• Grill outside instead of using the oven to keep indoor temperatures lower.
• Change your air filters regularly to help your HVAC system run efficiently.

We’re Doing Our Part, Too    

Behind the scenes, CHELCO has been working to reduce energy demand during peak times through load management tools like water heater switches and voltage adjustments. These efforts help us avoid buying high-cost wholesale power—savings that are passed directly to you.

In 2024 alone, these strategies saved our members $1.5 million—an average of $23 per account. And for a typical residential member who’s been with us for the past decade, that adds up to over $200 in savings.

Summer energy costs don’t have to be a burden. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you save energy and money—without sacrificing comfort.

Together, we can make this summer a breeze.