Heat Wave Coming: Delmarva Power Shares Easy Energy-Saving Tips

State of MD - A dangerous heat wave is headed for the Eastern Shore this week, and Delmarva Power wants customers ready before it hits. The utility is urging people to take a few simple steps now to keep cooling costs down and homes comfortable.

Delmarva Power says rising temperatures mean air conditioners and cooling systems will be working overtime. That extra strain typically means higher energy bills for customers across the region.

The good news is that the company has been preparing too. Delmarva Power has spent the year performing system maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, including grid modernization work designed to protect against storm damage and keep the power on through high-demand summer days.

For customers, the fixes are mostly small and cheap. Delmarva Power recommends turning off lights and devices you're not using, and keeping your thermostat steady, somewhere between 75 and 78 degrees during the day. Bumping it up another 7 degrees when nobody's home can also help.

Closing blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day cuts down on heat gain, while ceiling fans set to run counterclockwise help push cool air through a room. Replacing or cleaning your AC filter monthly matters too. Delmarva Power says it can lower your system's energy use by 5 to 15 percent.

A few other tips from the company: look for ENERGY STAR-labeled products when shopping for new cooling equipment, seal up drafts around windows and doors, and save heat-producing chores like laundry and dishwashing for nighttime, when it's cooler outside. Locking windows before running the AC also helps it seal properly.

Customers can track their usage anytime through Delmarva Power's website or mobile app. The company also offers free home energy check-ups, where an analyst walks through your house and may even install energy-saving products at no charge.

For anyone struggling to keep up with bills, Delmarva Power says help is available. Programs like the Customer Relief Fund and LIHEAP offer payment assistance, and tools like Single Stop can connect customers with broader support for housing, food, and utility costs.

More information on staying cool and saving energy this summer is available at delmarva.com/SummerReadiness.

Stay safe out there, Eastern Shore and don't wait until the heat hits to start saving.