Anyone who has been to our quaint home on North Dixie Freeway can attest how cold it can get inside when the temperature outside is cold. I've been battling bronchitis for two weeks and had no choice, but to put on the heat. That's why Sera and I were pleased to learn the Utilities Commission is offering to work with customers on what will likely be a higher bill in the next billing cycle.
I found this news item on the U.C.'s Website, which also is on the city Web site, headlined, "Historic Cold Weather and Energy Demand."
It reads: Due to the historic cold weather just experienced and subsequent high electric consumption, upon receipt of your bill, please contact our Customer Service Department if payment arrangements will be needed.Our Customer Service Representatives are available by calling 386-427-1361, emailing us at customerservice@ucnsb.org, or stopping by our main office at 200 Canal Street.
Of course, you should make arrangements as soon as your bill comes in the mail and not wait until there's a shut-off notice.
I also learned the U.C. is now accepting plastic. That helps too: "Credit and Debit Cards Now Accepted!"
This notice reads: "The UC now accepts Visa and MasterCard Credit and Debit cards for payment at our main office building, 200 Canal Street, New Smyrna Beach, or online via our E-Access customer account portal. The E-Access link is available on the right hand side of our home page. In addition to paying your bill online, E-Access allows you to view past statements, order electronic delivery of bills, and make service requests. If you have any questions about getting started, please call Customer Service at 386-427-1361."
And before you start griping about the cost of your utilities, here's yet another gem I came across on the U.C. Web site, headlined: "How Your Local Utility Stacks Up."
It reads: "Did you know our residential rates are in the lowest third of Florida's 57 electric providers? Or that 90% of the UC's small business customers pay lower electric rates than FPL? Due to the current economy, any spending has become a concern in everyone's budget. As your local, low-cost utility provider, the Utilities Commission has developed an informational sheet to provide you with a further understanding of UC rates."
Like the rest of you, I dislike paying bills, but even in the Sunshine State, we have to pay utility bills, with some peak months that can be pretty taxing, with the coldest months in December, January and February and the hottest months in June, July and August.
As a true Northerner or Yankee, I can tell you having lived through the Blizzard of '78, I have long since gotten used to the Sunshine State since initially moving here in 1995. It's obvious, though, that Sera and I need to do more to make this 70-year-plus home more energy efficient.
We started with the fireplace and now we're working on the bathroom. Next comes the doors. In this economy, sometimes you have to pay a little more to save a little more, if that makes any sense.