07/24/08 - Jackson
By: Jackie Rivard
Rising Energy Prices
Eddy Holloway has
been a meter reader for Jackson Energy Authority for eight
years. He can tell how much energy people use with just a
glance. So one would think with energy prices rising due to
fuel and coal prices, people would be using less of it; but this
isn't so says Holloway.
"It doesn't
look like anybody's cutting back on anything right now," says
Holloway.
The
Vice-President of Energy Services at Southwest Tennessee
Electric, Trent Scott, says the demand for energy is greater now
in the hot summer months than in the winter. On top of that,
according to the Tennessee Valley Association, just running your
air conditioning can account for almost half of your home's
energy expenses. So don't be surprised when you open your next
utility bill.
"The thing that
people will see on their August bill more so than any kind of
increase in price is an increase in usage," says Scott.
To drive down
your usage, Scott says unplugging appliances not in use, turning
off all lights, and turning up the thermostat can help lower
your energy numbers for the next time Holloway comes to read
your meter.