COVERITLIVE.COM

11:39

Business Editor - Welcome to our chat today. Joe Harberg and Brent Moore will be here shortly to take your questions.

11:55

Joseph Harberg - Hello - This is Joe Harberg. i am looking forward to this chat and helping each of you learn how to save money.

11:56

Business Editor - Hi, Joe. Thanks so much for joining us today.

11:57

Brent Moore - Joe, it's good to be with you today. This is Brent Moore with SaveOnEnergy.com. We're very excited to be a part of this chat and helping the people of Dallas/Fort Worth learn more about electricity prices.

11:58

Business Editor - Hi, Brent. We are so glad you could join us. Now that everyone's here, I'll start off with a few questions we received from readers via e-mail.

11:59

Business Editor - To explain a little about how the chat will work. For those of you joining us, there may be a slight lag time between when you send your question and when they appear in the room once we get going, so please be patient with us!

12:01

Business Editor - Here's one from Tiziano: I would like to ask the following questions:

For those that live in an apartment, what can be done to lower the electricity bill other than pick the right provider, turn off the lights, or set the thermostat to a higher temperature?
Do those alumimun (or whatever) foil panes that I sometimes see on apartment windows work? Would it help if I install some kind of removable tinting material similar to that used on car windows?
Where would I purchase whatever you suggest? The idea is to lower the temperature inside the apartment without having to do something that might damage the window frames or panes.

12:04

Brent Moore -

I have several recommendations that may save a few dollars immediately:

1. Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
2. During the summer, keep the window coverings closed during the day to prevent solar gain. Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day, and install awnings on south- and west-facing windows.
3. Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar gain.

In addition, we have many more practical tips that you can use in your apartment listed on our blog at blog.saveonenergy.com.

12:07

Joseph Harberg - Every apartment is different so it will take a conversatin to identify the particular solutions. Chaning lights bulbs to CFL or LEDs and chaning to a programmable thermostat are easily reversible options. Generally, tinting the window is not reversible but your landlord may not have a problem taking that action. Window screens are also a potential option that will not make you feel like you are hibernating inside. Current Energy has many items that will be of benefit. Visit our store on Knox Street or at currentenergy.com/store.

12:07

Business Editor - Here's another e-mail question from Rod:

Why can we not have a statement about each provider that says “all variable rates are “based on xx cents above the price of (natural gas) which number can be found at yy website.” The reason is that it keeps consumers in the dark about what they are paying unless they go with fixed price contracts

With that info, we really would be informed consumers with the power to choose.

I feel like the Power To Choose website is certainly better than nothing but is still stacked against the consumer since there is no info on how the rate is calculated that we can easily shop for, once you get beyond the fixed rate period or teaser rate period.

12:09

Business Editor - Adding to the apartment discussion, here's a comment from Brad:

12:09

[Comment From Brad]
I'm a landlord. I've got two fourplexes built in the early 60's in Irving. They're energy inefficient across the board. As much as I'd like to add another foot of insulation in the attic, have all the ductwork resealed, install celing fans in every room and double-pane windows I just can't justify the expense at the moment. However, if a tenant came to me and offered to split the cost, I'd say sure.

12:10

Joseph Harberg - As of August 16^th the PUC will have three categories - fixed, index, and variable. The PTC website will make an attempt to clarify how companies are pricing and what the impact is for each customer.

12:11

Brent Moore - That's a great point, Rod. Competiton is designed to keep energy suppliers honest. We attempt to clearly show the details of each supplier's offer. Generally, we would recommend you select a fixed-rate product so you always know what you are paying.

12:12

[Comment From Pam Cheney]
The Power to Choose site is confusing to me.

12:12

Joseph Harberg - We agree on fixing your rate, expecially making sure it is fixed through the summer/hurricane season.

12:12

Business Editor - Pam, can you be a little more specific?

12:13

Brent Moore - Brad, have you looked into any of the tax rebates offered by Oncor as part of their energy-efficiency programs.

12:14

[Comment From Brad]
I have not. Anything you can tell me about it?

12:15

Brent Moore - PTC can be confusing if you aren't aware of the differences in rate plans and offerings. We do the legwork for you, and put providers through a series of extensive criteria that must pass to be a benefit to our shoppers online. We only recommend reputable companies that are transparent and financially stable.

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