As temperatures climb across Long Island, so does energy use — and that can mean higher electric bills for many households relying on air conditioning to stay comfortable.

Alex Valentino, PSEG Long Island Director of Energy Efficiency, says a few simple adjustments can help keep cooling costs under control during the hottest months of the year.

One of the easiest ways to save money is by adjusting your thermostat. Alex Valentino, PSEG Long Island raising the temperature setting by just a couple of degrees when you're away from home can reduce energy consumption.

"If you don't want to manage your thermostat closely, install one of our programmable thermostats that can be controlled by the phone," Valentino said. "PSEG Long Island offers rebates on those thermostats through our marketplace online."

Valentino noted that ENERGY STAR estimates homeowners can save roughly $50 to $100 per year by adjusting thermostat settings and using programmable controls.

He also recommends making homes as energy-efficient as possible with simple measures such as keeping blinds and curtains closed during the day to block out heat from the sun.

Customers may also benefit from reviewing PSEG Long Island's time-of-day rate options. Under those plans, shifting energy-intensive activities outside peak demand hours can help lower costs.

Valentino suggests charging electric vehicles, doing laundry and running dishwashers before or after peak hours, which are typically between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Utility officials say small changes in daily habits can make a noticeable difference in managing energy use and keeping summer electric bills in check.

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