Colder-than-average temperatures this winter likely have caused a major spike in residents’ electric bills, Milford officials said.

This January’s average temperature was just 28 degrees Fahrenheit, much lower than the 37 degrees in January 2024 and 43 degrees in 2023.

Due to the colder weather this January, average residential electrify usage was 42 percent higher than the five-year average for all other months and 12 percent higher than the last five Januarys, officials said.

Milford’s rates are among Delaware’s lowest, nearly 21 percent below Delmarva Power’s and comparable to those charged by Delaware Electric Co-Op, city officials said.

Officials offered these energy-saving tips:
— Lower your thermostat by 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce heating time. Heating and air conditioning make up about 50 percent of residents’ energy usage.
— Use a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature while you’re away and before you return home to avoid wasting energy.
— Seal gaps in windows and doorways, where cold air leaks through. Use door sweeps or blankets against doorways and check for drafts by closing a dollar bill in the door. If the bill pulls out easily, it’s time to seal the gap.
— Open blinds during the day to let in natural heat, and close them at night to trap warmth inside.
— Review your electric bill to determine your current usage, as well as that of prior month and year, to better track your consumption.
— Take advantage of Milford’s Efficiency Smart Program, which offers rebates and an electric-usage monitor to help track and reduce your energy usage. Residents can receive rebates for insulating windows, purchasing a water-heater jacket, using the city’s budget plan and servicing their heating-and-cooling systems.

For more details, visit efficiencysmart.org.

For any questions about your electric bill, contact the city’s Customer Service Department at 302-422-6616.