ASHLAND, Ky., June 30, 2026 – The first week of July is bringing a heat wave that has air conditioning units humming and fans turning as Kentucky Power customers try to beat the heat.
“As temperatures climb, air conditioners have to work harder and use more energy to keep homes cool,” said Ryan Lake, external affairs manager. “Extreme weather like this heat wave can cause customer bills to spike. However, there are many ways customers can control their energy usage, which can help manage high bills, even in extreme heat.”
There are many low- and no-cost energy efficiency measures customers can put into place to save money without jeopardizing comfort, including:
- Repair air leaks in the home; up to 25 percent of energy used to cool homes escapes via leaks.
- Maintain consistent temperatures and monitor your thermostat settings. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a summer thermostat setting of 75-78 degrees.
- Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air throughout the house and to help cool people directly. This allows for a higher thermostat setting.
- Close drapes and shades on south-facing windows to block sun and heat during the day.
- Move furnishings away from floor or return air vents for more efficient HVAC operation.
- Avoid using heat-producing appliances such as ovens or dryers during the hottest parts of the day.
Other energy savings ideas are available on our website and on our YouTube channel.
According to Lake, customers can sign up today to take advantage of the average monthly payment plan (AMP), designed to level out bills over a 12-month cycle.
“The easiest way to avoid seasonal bill spikes is through our AMP plan which prevents a sudden jump in bills caused by weather,” Lake said. “This often makes it easier for customers to budget and plan for their power bills.”
Customers experiencing hardships in paying their bill are encouraged to contact our customer service center immediately to get assistance by calling 800-572-1113 or sending a message on Facebook.
“We are here to help and will do everything we can to figure out a plan that works,” Lake said. “That could be through a payment arrangement or extension or by signing up for AMP. There are many ways we can work with our customers.”
For more information, programs, tips and more, visit KentuckyPower.com.