How to Keep Your Energy Bill Low While Social Distancing

As more people are working from home because of the novel coronavirus outbreak, one of the unintended consequences is higher energy use which could translate to a higher bill next month.

Ben Dueweke is the director of Community Development at Walker Miller Energy Services in Detroit. He tells WDET’s Annamarie Sysling about the energy implications of working from home.

Simple things you can do to curb energy use: 

• Keep thermostat down a little lower than you would normally
• Wear some layers and a hat
• Take advantage of natural light and try setting up your work station near a window
• As you’re bouncing between the different areas in your house, don’t forget to turn the lights off when you exit a room.
• You don’t necessarily need to keep your computer plugged in and any other electronics. Plug them in as you need to, but unplug when you aren’t using them. This will cut down on the “phantom load” of energy at home. 

Click on the player above to hear Ben Dueweke on saving electricity while social distancing.