KISSIMMEE, Fla., March 16, 2009 – Kissimmee homeowners could be feeling this week’s heat in next month´s power bills.

Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) on Monday reported an increase in electricity consumption during the past week, fueled by warmer temperatures and lack of rainfall. Cooling a home is your single largest energy expense, accounting for approximately 50 percent or more of your total electric bill.

But the utility says customers can still cut their energy costs and save a lot of cold cash by following these simple conservation steps:

* When cooling your home, set the thermostat to 80 degrees. Each degree below 80 degrees will cost you about eight percent more on your cooling costs.
* Always keep windows and doors closed when you have the air conditioning on.
* Close blinds and drapes during the day to prevent the sun’s rays from warming your home.
* Use ceiling fans to assist the cooling system, but only use fans in occupied rooms.
* Remember that window air conditioning units generally are not designed to cool more than one room.
* Clean or replace window unit or central air conditioning system filters monthly. Dirty filters cause air conditioners to work harder and use more energy.

For more conservation tips, download KUA’s free home energy guide at http://www.kua.com/resources.

Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida´s sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 64,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.

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Date Submitted: March 18, 2009 04:14PM