Rising gas prices and energy bills are the cost of extreme heat felt throughout Florida
Florida gas prices hit a new 2023 record after the average price of gas surged to $3.84, up 18 cents from last week and 12 cents higher than April’s previous high of $3.72. What’s the cause of the new swell? Extreme heat — and gas prices aren’t the only thing it’s impacting.
About half of the price per gallon of gasoline is partly contributed to oil prices, according to AAA. August oil prices have barrels priced just above $80 per barrel, up from last month when crude oil was trading just below $70 a barrel.
The rest of the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of record-breaking heat engulfing the southern parts of the country, according to experts. Fuel refineries in the south have been handicapped by extreme temperatures that can cause breakdowns and equipment failures on top of other effects caused by the heat, like rolling electrical outages and severe weather.
Heat-related deaths in Florida: Heat-related deaths in Florida have increased 88% in 3 years as temps continue to rise
Florida energy bills expected to rise 11% this summer
Higher gas prices aren’t the only issue impacting wallets as blistering heat waves sweep across the country. The cost of home energy this summer is predicted to increase by 11.7%, to an average of $578 per household, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA).
Energy expenditures in the South Atlantic, which includes Florida, were already almost 9% over the national average last year and are expected to also jump 11.5% to about $628 per household.
NEADA acts as the primary educational and policy organization for state directors of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, which help low-income families pay for their utility bills.
Florida Power and Light customers get a break
While an overall increase in volume usage will lead to increased power bills, Florida Power and Light customers received a break in July after state regulators unanimously approved a rate decrease in June.
The $256 million reduction in fuel charges approved by the Florida Public Service Commission follows another $379 million reduction that took effect in May, saving most customers about $8 compared to their April bill. Customers in Northwest Florida who use 1,000 kilowatt hours saw their bills decrease in July from $158.86 to $154.91.
Florida's record-breaking July heat: Most Florida cities saw their top 5 hottest Julys on record. August doesn't look any better.
How to save money on power bills this summer
Finding energy-saving tips online is easy, finding tips you’ll likely use is another story entirely. The unfortunate truth is that using less electricity is the only way to save money on your electric bill this summer and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Set your ceiling fans to spin in the correct direction. Believe it or not, there is a small switch at the base of your ceiling fan that switches the direction your ceiling fan spins. Newer fans might have this setting in a remote or a corresponding app. Making sure this is set for the right season is helpful because it optimizes the airflow in your home, reducing the load on your air conditioner.
For summer, set your fan to spin counterclockwise to create a downdraft.
For winter, set your fan to spin clockwise to create an updraft.
Check time-based pricing. If your utility provider provides time-based pricing then you’ll be paying more or less money per kilowatt based on when you’re using energy. Your provider’s website or app should provide this information, which can be used to help you schedule when to run power-hungry appliances.
Change the AC filter once a month. Replacing a clogged filter can help minimize energy use and shave money off your monthly bill.
Reducing the temperature of the water heater. If you’re comfortable enough, reduce the temperature on your water heater to save energy.
Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs. Seriously. When it comes to power, everything adds up. If you’re in a new home, check for incandescent bulbs and replace them with more energy-efficient LED bulbs. If this is on your to-do list, consider elevating it.
The math: Don’t press the back button, the math is easy! Bulbs are rated for the amount of kWh they consume every 1,000 hours. Comparing a 60W incandescent bulb to a 12W LED bulb means the LED should be about five times as efficient. If we use .10 cents per kWh as an example then an incandescent bulb would cost $6 after 1,000 hours of use while an LED bulb would cost about $1.20. The savings multiply based on how many bulbs you’re replacing.
Blackout curtains can help maintain temperature. About 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows, according to the Department of Energy. Blackout curtains and other similar window attachments are cheaper than buying more energy-efficient windows and can help mitigate energy loss. During the summer, the DOE recommends keeping window covering closed to reduce heat.
Take inventory of your “phantom load.” Any electrical device plugged in consumes power — whether turned off or in sleep mode. While it’s unlikely to be adding a noticeable amount to your monthly power bill, the introduction of smart home devices has led to a subtle creep of device clutter. Consider taking a quick inventory of your outlets and cull any devices you rarely use.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida's record-breaking heat fuels rising gas prices, energy bills
