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Well, well, well – halfway through the year and all we have to show for it is super high energy bills! Between the Winter Storm Fern we experienced in January and then the heat dome at the beginning of the month - our HVAC systems sure are working hard this year!
And what about those thermostats? There has been a lot of conversations about what temperature your thermostat should be set, and our recommendations have been the same since we started Montgomery Energy Connection in 2017. Â
In the summer, the recommended temperature is 78 degrees, and, in the winter, it is 68 degrees. Those numbers have always come from the Department of Energy and provide an optimal balance between human comfort and energy efficiency. These numbers minimize the temperature difference between inside and outside, which reduces HVAC strain and significantly lowers utility bills.
When we give presentations, we also note that for every 1 (one) degree you lower/raise your thermostat beyond the recommended number, you are looking at a 3% increase to your utility bill.  What that means is we want you to be comfortable in your own home but also realize that the number on that thermostat will determine how much you’re paying to heat/cool your home that month.
Check out the charts on your utility bill
One way to see how you are doing with your energy usage is to check out the charts on your utility bills – Pepco has sample bills, BGE has sample bills, and Potomac Edison has sample bills available as well. Our favorite section is Usage History which compares the current month to the previous year, showing 13 months of usage. The easy-to-read visual shows how your usage changes over time. And if you’re not sure exactly what everything in your bill means, the Office of People’s Counsel hosts webinars to help navigate your bills and they have recorded them so you can watch them at your own pace:
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Give your home a checkup
Now is the best time to schedule your Quick Home Energy Checkup because you may qualify to receive a Smart Thermostat and imagine having the ability to control the temperatures in your home from your phone? Schedule your checkup today!
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Okay maybe no one said it but we are now and who doesn’t love when things get extended?? Especially when 2027 is sure to bring BIG changes to how solar customers are credited for the excess energy they produce. Not sure what that means?
We will be hosting a Solar 101 webinar on Tuesday, June 28th at 6:30 PM to discuss the Switch Together program and to answer any questions you may have regarding solar panels and solar credits. Registration is required but there is time to sign up today!
Not sure if you can make it to the webinar but want to talk to neighbors and other installers about the process? Come to our Switch Together Happy Hour taking place on Thursday, August 6th from 6:00 – 8:30 PM at Mi Rancho in Wheaton. There will be no formal presentations, no high-pressure pitches, just an opportunity to come grab a margarita (with or without tequila), grab a bite to eat, and learn about the sunny side of solar ownership.
The extension is now in place until November 18, 2026. Take advantage of this opportunity by registering at SwitchTogether.com/Solar/CapitalAreaÂ
 What is all this about going plastic free in July?
Believe it or not, there’s a strong connection between Plastic Free July and energy conservation. By reducing plastic waste, we save resources and cut down on the energy required for production, transportation, and recycling. This initiative encourages us to reevaluate our consumption habits and explore innovative ways to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics. Likewise, being conscious of our energy consumption is vital because the cheapest form of energy is the energy we don't use.
You can celebrate Plastic Free July by doing these things:
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Swap out your incandescent CFL bulbs - Illumination Stations & Lightbulb Exchanges are information tables that shine a light on ways to lower your utility bills, learn about energy assistance programs, and connect with trusted county and utility resources. Visit your local Montgomery County Public Library to talk with staff and partners about energy efficiency programs, Pepco services, and other helpful county offerings.
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Fix broken things – The purpose of our Fix-It Clinic is to empower community members to extend the life of their belongings, reduce waste, and build practical skills by offering hands-on support for repairing everyday items. Sign up today.
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Use a Reusable bag - The Bring Your Own Bag Law establishes requirements for the use of plastic and paper carryout bags in Montgomery County and took effect on January 1, 2026. If you would like one of our amazing bags made from recycled water bottles, please email us at energy@montgomerycountymd.gov – include your name and shipping address and we will get one out to you!!!
Grab your rosé (or drink of choice), kick up your feet, make your home more comfortable by taking advantage of Electrify MC and Civic Works Energy Programs
Images in this newsletter came from the following resources. We do not pay for these or endorse any particular product but we thank you for sharing your art and images with the world, we appreciate it.Â
This newsletter is written by a real, person – no A.I. generated content here so we may make mistakes. If you find one (or two) of these mistakes, let us know and we will send you an amazing energy kit in the mail!Â
Our email address is energy@montgomerycountymd.gov Â
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