Don’t look now, but summer’s almost here.

We know what that means on the Front Range. It means kids out of school (physical or virtual). It means sunscreen during the day and mosquito spray in the evening. And most of all, more often than not, it means HEAT.

More heat, naturally, means more energy. A lot more energy. In a cooler month, Longmont’s energy demand might be around 120,000 kWh. In a summer month, it can get above 180,000 kWh, a full 50 percent higher or more.

That’s where LPC’s summer electric rate comes in.

This is the second year for our summer rate, which starts in June and runs through the end of September. It exists for two reasons: to help cover the added cost of wholesale energy in the hottest months, and to encourage conservation, so that we don’t need to use (and buy) as much electricity in the first place. (And even with the added rate, Longmont still pays some of the lowest electric rates in Colorado.)

So how do you save that energy? Some of the ways include:

• Making sure you’ve turned off appliances and computers when you’re not using them, and the lights when you’re leaving a room.
• Replacing your A/C filters once a quarter – dirty filters mean your air conditioning has to work harder and needs more power.
• Watching out for “phantom loads.” Some devices stay in standby mode even when you turn them off; a smart strip or power bar can keep them from pulling power you don’t need.
• Putting in some simple household devices, such as energy-saving LED light bulbs or smart thermostats. Our Efficiency Works store has a number of rebated items that can help.
• Getting a FREE virtual Efficiency Works home energy assessment to identify energy-saving upgrades. (Depending on your household income, you might also qualify for the CARE program which offers a free in-home assessment, along with some basic efficiency upgrades.)

It’s simple. In fact, it’s a breeze.

And on a hot day, nothing could be more welcome.