How to Manage Your Winter Power Bills
Your monthly electricity bill can change for various reasons. In the wintertime, Alabama can experience consecutive days of below normal temperatures. When this happens, it may cause you to use more electricity than you typically would, resulting in higher power bills.
How the cold weather affects energy usage
During freezing conditions, it takes much more energy to raise the temperature in your home. Your unit is working even harder to heat your home when outside temperatures are so low, resulting in higher use of electricity.
By setting your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower, you can maximize your energy savings while heating your home. However, it's important to note that even at 68 degrees, your heating unit will expend additional energy to maintain this temperature during sub-freezing conditions.
Other factors that impact your bill
Changes at Home
Behavioral changes like using appliances more, spending more time at home, and additional people in your home may have contributed to an increase in your usage.
Longer Billing Cycle
There may have been more days in your billing cycle than average. Refer to the “Service Period” on your bill for the length of your billing cycle.
Unpaid Balance
Your bill may be higher if there is a balance due from a previous month.
Rate Schedule Change
You may experience a higher bill if you changed your billing or rate plan.
Appliance Problems
Sometimes an appliance may not be running at peak performance, which can show up on your bill. Be sure to have your appliances checked out before winter.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re facing financial hardship and need bill-pay assistance, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. We can connect you to a variety of assistance programs and resources that may be able to assist you in your time of need.
How to make a payment arrangement with us:
- Online through your online account. Log in here if you already have an account. If not, learn how to set one up and the benefits that come with it.
- In person, at a business office.
- Call Customer Service at 1-800-245-2244 (residential) or 1-888-430-5787 (business).
Find a payment assistance program:
There are several community programs and agencies available to assist customers who are having trouble paying their power bill.
- Project SHARE: In partnership with the Salvation Army, Project SHARE assists with the wintertime energy bills of low-income Alabamians who are age 60 or older and/or disabled. Reach out to your local Salvation Army office or call 205-328-2420.
- LIHEAP: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available every year from November to May to help low-income households pay for heating and cooling their homes. Call 334-242-4909 or visit the ADECA website to find your local agency.
- ABC Trust: The Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund (ABC Trust) was established by Alabama Power to help meet the energy needs of low-income Alabamians. Contact your local Community Action Agency to apply. Download the list of agencies or visit www.powerofgood.com.
Download our Mobile App
Track your energy usage, view payment history and more when you enjoy the convenience and security of managing your account from your mobile device. Access all of our account tools in one spot.
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Budget Billing
If you are looking for more ways to decrease your energy bills, consider Budget Billing. It evens out the highs and lows of your monthly power bill.
With Budget Billing, you pay a similar amount each month, which helps you budget smarter.
Contact Us
If you have specific questions about your account, our customer service team is dedicated to finding ways to serve you better.
Beware of Scams
When managing your account, make sure you are paying through the proper Alabama Power channels. Learn how to protect yourself from fraud and the latest scams targeting customers.
Cold Weather Tips
