Peoria Standard

Illinois State Representative Mike Coffey (R) shared tips on how state residents could lower their energy bills amid rising costs in a Facebook post published on Thursday.

"If you've noticed a shocking increase in your utility bills lately, you are not alone," Coffey wrote. "Nationwide, home energy costs were 15.6% higher year-on-year in December. Here are a few tips for lowering energy bills and for finding assistance if you are having trouble paying them."

The post included a link to a Time article published on January 20 that included tips on how to lower your energy bills which go beyond common points such as turning off lights. One such idea involves insulating your attic to prevent heat from escaping through your roof. According to North American Insulation Manufacturers Association CEO and President R. Curt Rich, adding insulation to your ceiling can save up to 45% on your energy bills. Another tip is to use a dishwasher, as the Natural Resources Defense Council reports that washing dishes by hand can cost you 27 gallons of water per load, while an ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher can use as few as three gallons per load.

According to the Citizens' Utility Board, Ameren customers pay approximately $10.79 in flat fees for meter-related and monthly customer charges. Customers and then charged by the kilowatt-hour of energy that they use for EDT cost recovery and distribution delivery charges, which come in two timeframes (summer and non-summer). The EDT Cost Recovery Charge is 0.13375¢/kWh. The summer distribution delivery charge is at 6.008¢/kWh, and in spring, fall and winter, the distribution delivery charge is at two levels. For the first 800 kilowatt-hours, users pay 3.517¢ each, and after 800 kilowatt-hours, the charge is 1.867¢ per kilowatt-hour. For ComEd customers, the standard metering charge is $3.10, in addition to a few of $12.23 for single-family homes that use electric heat, and $10.79 per month for residents who use non-electric heat. There are also charges based on the number of kilowatt-hours used. The Illinois Electricity Distribution charge is 0.0132¢ per kilowatt-hour, and the Distribution Facilities Charge depends on whether users have electric or non-electric heat. For single-family homes with electric heat, the charge is approximately $1.89 per kilowatt-hour. For multi-family buildings, the charge is approximately $1.83 per kilowatt-hour. For those using non-electric heating, the charge is approximately 4.07¢ per kilowatt-hour, and for multi-family properties, the charge is approximately 3.93¢ per kilowatt-hour.

Mike Coffey is a first-term State Representative for Illinois' 95th District who was appointed following the resignation of State Representative Tim Butler before the beginning of his term. Coffey is a restauranteur who managed Saputo's in Springfield for many years and opened Papa Frank's in the same city in 2015.