LCEC – Lee County Electric Cooperative

July Power Cost Adjustments Implemented

July 20, 2022 – A Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) increase was implemented for LCEC customers in July. Prior to 2022, LCEC hasn’t had a PCA increase since 2008. In fact, there have been five PCA decreases since 2014. The PCA increase equates to $55.50 per 1,000 kWh which will result in approximately a 27.5 percent increase per 1,000 kWh on the average residential bill.   

This increase is the result of rising purchased power costs passed on from the LCEC power supplier, Florida Power and Light (FPL). PCA charges are determined to adjust for or anticipate projected costs for purchased power. For LCEC, power costs reached more than 70 percent of total expenses putting pressure on the Board of Directors to implement an increase.

We ask that customers understand that there are no margins (profit) earned on the power cost portion of the customer bill, it is simply a pass-through to FPL.

Since the PCA portion of the bill is based solely on the cost of power and is passed through to customers, if power cost decline, customers will see a decline in the power adjustment on their bill. However, with escalating power costs, the potential for a decrease in the near future is unlikely.

Just like LCEC, all energy suppliers have a monthly adjustment based on variable fuel costs related to power production. Utility regulations have been in place since 1973 to address volatile fuel markets and allow for power cost recovery. Without the PCA, base rates would be constantly changing to reflect the cost of power.

Help is available for those who need it through a partnership between LCEC and the United Way called the Power to Share Program. The program is funded by LCEC employees and customers to help qualified customers in need of electric bill payment assistance.

Energy savings tips for the hot summer

July 20, 2022 – There are many easy and free ways to save on your energy consumption while staying cool this summer. LCEC energy experts recommend the following tips:

• When cooling your home, set the thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Each degree below adds 8 to 12 percent to the cooling costs.
• While away from home for more than two hours, set the thermostat at 83 degrees Fahrenheit. If there is a pet in the home, leave thermostat at 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Install a smart thermostat that will automatically raise and lower the temperature at certain times of the day.
• Be sure your thermostat fan switch is set on the “auto” setting. This is more economical for temperature and humidity control.
• Do not close A/C vents or interior doors when A/C is running.
• Service your air conditioning system annually.
• Repair duct leaks using metal foil tape reinforced with mastic adhesive.
• Check air conditioner filters monthly and change as needed.
• Turn fans off when the room is not occupied. Each continuously running fan costs approximately $7 per month on your electric bill.
• Run pool pumps for a maximum of 8 hours a day in the summer, and 6 hours per day in the winter, unless you are heating the pool.
• Install reflective window tint/film that will reflect 65 percent or better on windows facing east, west or south. LCEC also recommends installing awnings, storm shutters and planting shade trees.

Visit lcec.net for even more simple ways to save on your electric bill!

Are you storm ready?

July 14, 2022 – The heavy rainfall of summer storms pales in comparison to what Mother Nature is capable of. Now is the time to ensure that your home is ready should a major storm come our way this hurricane season. The following tips can help storm-harden your home:

-Protect your windows with hurricane shutters or plywood.
-Trim dead branches from trees and shrubs around your home, avoiding those close to power lines.
-Clear your patio and yard of furniture, potted plants, toys and other debris.
-Anchor items that cannot be taken inside.
-Turn off and unplug the TV before lowering an antenna or satellite dish.
-Protect your electronics with surge protection devices.
-Reinforce your garage door at its weakest points.
-Inspect doors and add extra locks or slide bolts.
-Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs.

In addition to preparing your home for a storm, now is the time to make sure your family emergency kit and plan are ready to go if need be. For everything you need to know and do for storm preparation, download the LCEC Hurricane Guide from lcec.net.

National Lineworker Appreciation Day is July 10

July 7, 2022 – The Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and LCEC join together to salute the nation’s electrical lineworkers on July 10 for National Lineworker Appreciation Day. This appreciation day honors the life and work of the first IBEW president Henry Miller.

Lineworkers are highly skilled essential workers who work tirelessly and without fear to keep the lights on for customers around the world. They sacrifice time with their families to work around the clock 24/7/365 to deliver the necessity we all rely on – power.

LCEC applauds, honors and sincerely thanks our incredible lineworkers for the hard work they do and the passion they demonstrate each and every day. Whether you are one of the more than 235,000 LCEC members or not, July 10 is the perfect day to #thankalineworker. In fact, every day is a perfect day to acknowledge a lineworker! A smile and a wave means the world to these humble heroes.