Bitter temperatures can mean higher energy bills for Kansans. Here’s how to save money

Heavy snow that blew through Wichita Monday night is not the last of the winter weather the area can expect to see this week.

Wind chills are expected to reach as low as minus 20 degrees this weekend due to an arctic air mass making its way through the U.S., including Kansas, and more precipitation is expected Thursday and Friday.

If you’re hunkering down during the bitter cold this week, here are some tips to save money and keep your home comfortable.

Setting your thermostat between 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re awake and lower when you leave or are sleeping is an easy way to lower your monthly energy bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees lower than its normal setting for eight hours a day can save you 10% every year.

The Kansas Corporation Commission recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees during winter to save money. Some other tips from the commission include:

• Seal cracks and leaks around the home
• Open blinds during winter
• Run fans clockwise
• Clean and replace air filters consistently

In addition to the high costs that come along with running your heat continuously, Evergy customers in the Wichita area can expect higher energy bills compared to last year. This is due to the rate increase approved in November that took effect at the end of December.

The rate hike increased Kansas Central customers’ monthly energy bills by about $4.64, giving Evergy Kansas Central a net revenue increase of 3.45%.

What is the forecast in Wichita, Kansas?

Here’s the forecast for Wichita for the remainder of the week, according to the National Weather Service:

• Wednesday: High near 40 degrees, low of 21
• Thursday: High around 39, low of 10 and a 50% chance of precipitation
• Friday: High around 18, low around 6
• Saturday: High 20, low 0
• Sunday: High near 10, low about minus 4, with a 20% chance of snow

According to the NWS, this season is tied for the seventh snowiest start to winter in Wichita, measuring 14.3 inches snowfall-to-date.

Lindsay Smith

The Wichita Eagle

Lindsay Smith is a suburban news reporter for the Wichita Eagle, covering the communities of Andover, Bel Aire, Derby, Haysville and Kechi. She has been on The Eagle staff since 2022 and was the service journalism reporter for three years. She has a degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism from Wichita State, where she was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Sunflower, for two years. You can reach her via email at lsmith@wichitaeagle.com.