John Mitchell
Communications Coordinator
Eugene Water & Electric Board
P.O. Box 10148
Eugene, OR 97440-2148
(541) 341-8539 (office)
(541) 954-7528 (cell)
E-Mail John Mitchell

When it comes to energy use, nothing uses electricity like space heating systems. If you heat your home with electricity, space heating can account for up to half of your total electric bill.

So how can you save on heating costs? If your home is heated with ceiling, wall, or baseboard heat, the best way to save on heating costs is to monitor your thermostat. The easiest way to monitor your thermostat is to install electronic thermostats that will make your home more comfortable while lowering your energy bill.

Eugene Water & Electric Board's Comfort STAT program is designed to increase comfort while saving on space heating costs. EWEB can help you replace wall-mounted thermostats with more efficient electronic models.

"Older mechanical thermostats used to regulate ceiling heat can be unreliable and cause uncomfortable temperature swings," says EWEB Energy Management Specialist Tom West. "Electronic thermostats have a digital temperature display and easy-to-use push button controls designed to keep rooms within two degrees of the temperature you set, so no more guessing games.

In addition, EWEB customers have confirmed what studies have shown: electronic thermostats save on heating costs, says West.

EWEB has arranged for a local electrical contractor to supply and install the thermostats. Their office will call to schedule an installation date and time. The cost is $54 for a standard model and $78 for a model that can be programmed to turn on and off at times you select. The electrician will explain how the thermostats work.

EWEB will invoice program participants directly for the new thermostats. Customers can pay the total amount in a single billing, or choose to pay over a 12-month period at zero interest.

For more information on EWEB's Comfort STAT Program, call Energy Management Services at 484-1125.

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