(MURFREESBORO)  Sweltering summer temperatures can bring unexpected costs as energy consumption increases to keep homes cool. Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) encourages its members to take the uncertainty out of billing by utilizing one of the cooperative’s budget-friendly options.

 
“MTE exists to serve our members, and our goal is to make billing better and less stressful for them,” said Robert White, MTE vice president of community relations and member services. “We want to make sure each member knows about and takes advantage of the billing options we offer. Selecting the billing option that is best for your lifestyle and budget can help take the uncertainty out of the equation when you receive your monthly bill.”

Aside from the traditional billing method, MTE members can choose from the following billing options:

• Variable Budget Billing – This option allows members to pay roughly the same amount on their bill each month, removing any extreme month-to-month fluctuations caused by weather, energy use and other factors. It is calculated by taking an average of energy use for the previous 12 months and will only have moderate variations each month.
• Fixed Budget Billing – This option is perfect for members who prefer to pay a set amount on their bill each month, regardless of energy consumption. Once per year, members who select fixed budget billing will have an adjustment (for underpayment) or credit (for overpayment) added, depending on actual energy use for the previous 12 months.
• Prepay– Prepay allows members to add money to their accounts before the electricity is consumed. MTE calculates your usage and takes your consumption from your account’s balance.

MTE recommends variable and fixed budget billing to help ease the large swings that occur when extreme temperatures cause an increase in your energy use. The cooperative also offers members the option to adjust their due date to deliver even more flexibility.
 
“In June, the average high temperature was 92 degrees. The temperature was above 90 degrees during the day for 19 days of the month and above 70 degrees at night for 15 nights,” White said. “When the temperature outside is higher than the temperature your thermostat is set to, AC units will be running longer and more frequently.”
 
Due to the recent heat wave, MTE announced it would continue to suspend disconnections for non-payment until Tuesday, July 12.
 
HVAC systems can account for as much as half of a home’s energy use, which means spikes of extreme weather can make a considerable impact. To better understand why the amount on a bill has increased, be sure to note the increase in kWh use compared to the previous month. Members can visit mte.com/EnergyTips for energy-saving tips and utilize the free myMTEMC app to monitor hourly and daily energy usage.
 
To help members save more energy and money, MTE has a team of energy efficiency pros ready to help members manage their electric use. Go to mte.com for more information about our energy services programs or contact 877-777-9020 to speak to your trusted energy advisor.