Southern Pine Offers Tips to Help Members Lower Summer Electric Bills

Special to Pelahatchie News

With extreme summer temperatures gripping Mississippi, Southern Pine Electric is encouraging members to take simple steps to reduce their energy use and keep electric bills manageable during the hottest part of the year.

“When temperatures soar into the 90s and 100s, it’s not just uncomfortable—it drives up energy use across our entire service area,” said Kristen Thorne, Director of Member Services at Southern Pine Electric. “Air conditioners are running harder and longer, and for many families, that means higher bills. We want to help our members stay safe, stay cool, and stay in control of their energy costs.”

Southern Pine is offering practical, no-cost and low-cost tips for reducing usage during peak demand times—typically from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.—and easing the strain on both wallets and the electric system:

•  Set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher when home and even higher when away.
•  Use ceiling fans to circulate air, but turn them off when leaving a room.
•  Close blinds and curtains to block direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
•  Avoid indoor cooking during peak hours. Instead, consider using an outdoor grill or small appliances like air fryers, microwaves, or slow cookers.
•  Delay running heat-producing appliances like dishwashers and clothes dryers until later in the evening.
•   Change air filters regularly and service air conditioning systems for maximum efficiency.
•  Download and use the free MyPower app to monitor daily use and set alerts to avoid billing surprises.

“Members can take charge of their energy use and see the difference on their bills,” Thorne said. “These are easy steps anyone can take, and they really add up—not just for your home, but for the entire cooperative system.”

Southern Pine Electric encourages members to visit www.southernpine.coop for more energy-saving ideas and to access the MyPower usage monitoring tool. Members may also contact the cooperative to schedule a free home energy audit.

“Mississippi summers are tough,” Thorne added. “But with a little planning and a few smart habits, we can all stay cooler and save money while we do it.”

Southern Pine Electric is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative that distributes electricity to more than 70,000 members in 11 counties in central and south Mississippi. Headquartered in Taylorsville, Southern Pine has offices in Brandon, Newton, Hattiesburg and New Hebron.