(CUMMING, GA) Temperatures are climbing and there is no denying the summer is here. There is no better time to gear up for smarter energy usage than now. With the buzz of barbeques, pool parties, and family adventures, it can be easy to forget about the impact summer can have on energy bills. This season, Sawnee EMC is here to keep our members cool with some tips to make summer sizzle without burning through the energy budget:

• Thermostat Optimization: Sawnee EMC’s Energy Services experts recommend setting your thermostat at 78°F. Raise it a few degrees when you’re away to reduce cooling costs without sacrificing comfort. When you’re in a room, turn ceilings fans on to stay at a comfortable temperature. Remember, in most cases, air conditioning is the biggest user of electricity in a home during the summer – use it wisely.


• Seal in the Cool: Keep the heat outside where it belongs by sealing gaps around doors and windows. This simple step prevents the cool air from escaping and warm air from sneaking in.


• Grill and Chill: Take the cooking party outdoors and fire up the grill! Using your stove or oven can heat up your home, making your AC work harder.


• Block Out the Heat: Close blinds during the day to block out the heat and minimize electricity consumption.


• Unplug Idle Electronics: Give your electronics a summer vacation by unplugging them when they’re not in use. Even when turned off, electronics can still utilize power.


• Change the Filter: A dirty air filter makes an HVAC system work harder, which uses more energy.


• Turn off Unnecessary Lights: Every penny helps. Be sure to turn off lights when you leave a room. Not only will that practice help save all year, but lights can also emit heat, making the room warmer.

Sawnee EMC members can also view their daily and hourly energy usage via SmartHub at sawnee.coop. Reviewing energy usage is a great way for members to know what they are using before they receive their electric bill. Even more energy saving tips are available in Sawnee EMC’s Energy Solutions Center at sawnee.coop.

Members can discover how energy efficient their home is, by scheduling a free energy audit with one of Sawnee EMC’s Energy Service Representatives. A representative will come to a member’s home, perform a visual inspection, and recommend ways to improve energy efficiency. To schedule an energy audit, please call Sawnee EMC’s Customer Service Center at 770-887-2363 or email customerservice@sawnee.coop.

About Sawnee EMC

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. Sawnee serves electricity to approximately 200,000 accounts in seven (7) counties of greater north Georgia. Sawnee’s total assets exceed $881 million, with energy sales of 3.7 billion kWh and annual revenue of approximately $441 million. With a team of approximately 360 dedicated professionals and over 12,006 miles of distribution line, Sawnee stands ready at all times to meet the needs of its members/owners. SEMC strives daily to live up to their motto...

“At Sawnee EMC, We’re More Than Electricity, We’re Service”.

_{This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.}