OUC in the news   Press/media contacts   Publication library   Knowledge Center   More about OUC		OUC News Release For Immediate Release   return to archive June 21, 2003 Paul Dillon Save Energy & Still Beat The Heat OUC Urges Conservation Amid High Temps, Rising Fuel Prices Orlando (June 21, 2003) – Summertime is officially here, and you know what that means: sweltering temperatures. As you adjust your thermostat, OUC—The Reliable One wants to remind you that increased power consumption leads to bigger electric bills. Using energy efficiently makes good sense year-round, but it can really pay off this time of year. Rising fuel costs have made energy conservation even more important. The price of natural gas, a common fuel used to run power plants, has hit near-record highs in recent weeks and is expected to stay at elevated levels for the foreseeable future. Energy-Saving Tips Cooling your home can account for half of your summer power use, so cutting back here is a good way to save. Remember: You can reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort. At OUC, we recommend setting your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, although some customers may need to keep the temperature a little cooler. Each degree you raise the thermostat above 78 degrees will save 6 to 8 percent on your cooling bill.   Keep your central A/C unit on auto. To increase savings even more, turn off the unit completely or set it to 85 degrees when you're away from home for more than four hours.   Replace air filters monthly.   Use shades, drapes and blinds to keep the sun and heat out.   Use ceiling fans to feel cooler, but turn them off when you leave the room. OUC—The Reliable One lives up to its name by providing the best record of electric reliability in the state of Florida and delivering high-quality, great-tasting drinking water to its customers. Established in 1923 and owned by the citizens of Orlando, OUC serves more than 190,000 customers in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties.