Heat wave to be felt again in this month’s utilities
By Brian Hudson, Suburban Life Publications
August 3, 2011 — Residents in the western suburbs suffered through a July that was both the hottest and wettest month all year.

Now, they’ll have to pay for it.
Read the full story on the My Suburban Life website.


Soon, July’s electric bills will be heading out in the mail, and on them residents will see the results of last month’s heat waves measured in dollars and cents.

Observers at Midway Airport counted 15 days last month that topped 90 degrees.

On those extreme-heat days, which also came with stifling humidity, running the air-conditioner was a necessity, not an option, said Denise Kusinski, a Downers Grove teacher.

“Since I’m home, I’m not going to not have the AC running,” Kusinski said. “I know the next bill will be high, which won’t be pretty, but staying cool is a necessity.”

A central air-conditioner system uses roughly 3,500 watts for every hour of use, according to an energy calculator used by the Citizens Utility Board, an Illinois consumer advocacy group.

At ComEd’s current delivery and supply rates — roughly 10 cents per kilowatt-hour — that comes out to $8.40 to run the AC for 24 straight hours.

Window units are more affordable, but they can still rack up costs. Running a 900-watt window unit for an entire day would cost a ComEd customer $2.16, according to the calculator.

There are options, though, for those looking to keep costs down.

ComEd has plans to overhaul its system, installing “smart grid” meters that let customers track their usage up to the hour. But with a price tag of $2 billion, the project would require higher rates. ComEd officials proposed increases earlier this summer.

Meanwhile, the Citizens Utility Board has a program that offers rewards for energy efficiency. Residents who sign up for the Energy Saver program and cut usage rack up points and can redeem them for retail and restaurant coupons.

The website also offers easy tips for cutting down consumption — things like turning off a coffee maker after brewing.

“It’s down to earth,” said Jim Chilsen, a spokesman for the utility board. “It’s how you can cut your costs without spending a lot of money.”