Energy use will likely increase in colder months
Increased energy use can lead to higher bills. To help with the impact on your bill, you can monitor and manage your energy use through My Account. You can also take a free online home energy assessment, leverage energy-saving steps and sign up for Alliant Energy® Smart Hours.
Monitor and manage your heating bill through My Account
One of the best ways to manage your energy use is through My Account. You’ll be able to:
- See your usage, down to the hour.
- Pay your bill or set up a payment arrangement.
- Spread out a high bill over several months with Budget Billing.
- Set up high usage alerts.
- Leverage My Home to better understand your energy use and compare it to similar homes.
Save energy with Smart Hours
When you enroll your smart thermostat in Alliant Energy Smart Hours, we automatically reduce your energy use when demand spikes. Smart Hours events may happen up to 15 times each season. We coordinate your energy use with that of thousands of others right when it counts to protect the energy system and keep you comfortable.
You help us keep energy more affordable for everyone. It doesn’t take any extra effort on your part, and you’ll earn rewards at the end of each season you participate!
Get help paying your heating bills with energy assistance options
We know higher energy use in winter can impact your family or business. If you’re struggling financially, there are resources to help pay your heating costs.
Reduce energy use in the winter with these helpful tips.
Let in the sunshine.
Turn down your thermostat.
Seal windows and doors.
Get a furnace tuneup.
Keep dampers shut.
Do you own a business? Prepare your facility for winter.
To ensure a comfortable indoor environment for your staff, visitors and customers, it's important to prepare your facility.
Check out our preparation tips for businesses to increase comfort. The lower energy bills will keep you feeling warm all winter long.
You can also leverage Energy Analytics, only available through My Account, to identify money-saving opportunities tailored just for your business.
How cold weather affects your home
You may wonder, if your thermostat is always set to the same temperature, why does your bill go up?
Here’s what happens. The colder it gets:
- The faster your home or facility loses heat.
- The harder the furnace must work to maintain the same temperature.
- The more gas and electricity the furnace uses, which causes a higher bill.
Temperatures can vary substantially over the 30-day period of the bill. Even a few days of colder temperatures can cause a noticeable impact.
To save money, set your thermostat lower at night and when your home is empty or your facility is closed. That way your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard. A smart thermostat can take out the guess work.