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Ed. note: “Community Energy Insights” is a new monthly column from the people at the Redwood Coast Energy Authority, Humboldt County’s intergovernmental joint-powers authority on all things electrical. Look for it on the last Thursday of the month.

Here is the inaugural episode, with RCEA executive director Beth Burks.

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If your electricity bill tends to creep up during the winter months, you’re not alone. Every year, we hear from Humboldt County residents who are surprised by higher winter bills and wonder what has changed.

The short answer? Winter is peak energy season in most of Humboldt County, and a few common factors can add up quickly. The good news is there are also simple, low-cost ways to manage your energy use and get support if you need it.

Let’s break it down.

Why winter energy bills are higher

Beth Burks.

Although energy prices are lower in the winter, during the colder months, most homes use more electricity. So, you may actually be seeing your largest electricity bill in the winter. Days are shorter, heaters run longer and lights stay on more often. Even small changes in daily habits can have a noticeable impact when they happen consistently.

The biggest drivers of higher winter bills:

• Heating use increases. Furnaces, electric heat pumps and heaters run more. Many gas heaters use electricity, too, causing increases in gas and electricity. Heating is often the single largest source of electricity use in a home.
• Longer nights mean more lighting. With fewer daylight hours, lights stay on longer, especially in the morning and evening.
• Water Heaters Work Harder. Hot showers, laundry and dishwashing all require energy, and water heaters tend to run more in cold weather.

Five simple ways to save energy this winter

You don’t need a major home upgrade to make a difference. Whether you rent or own, consistent actions can help lower energy use and improve comfort.

1. Set your heater wisely. Lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees, especially overnight or when you’re away, can reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort.
2. Seal the drafts. Cold air sneaking in around doors and windows makes heaters work harder. Temporary fixes like door sweeps, weatherstripping, or draft stoppers can be surprisingly effective.
3. Use space heaters safely and sparingly. Space heaters use a lot of electricity. If you use one, keep doors closed so you’re only heating the room you’re in and turn it off when you leave.
4. Switch to LED bulbs. LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than older incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
5. Wash clothes in cold water when possible. Heating water uses energy. Cold-water washing works well for most loads and can help reduce energy use over time.

Who we are and why that matters

Redwood Coast Energy Authority is the locally owned electricity provider for about 92% of Humboldt County. If you live or run a business in the county, chances are we provide your electricity generation, while PG&E continues to deliver it and handle billing.

Our office is right here in Eureka, and we’re go

RCEA team member Mario Gonzalez sharing a No Cost Energy Efficiency Kit packed with practical tools to help save electricity with a customer.

RCEA team member Mario Gonzalez sharing a No Cost Energy Efficiency Kit packed with practical tools to help save electricity with a customer.

verned by a board of elected officials from the communities we serve. That means decisions about electricity are made locally, with community priorities in mind, not by distant shareholders.

We’re here to help

Whether you’re trying to understand your bill, finding ways to save, or exploring assistance programs, RCEA is here as a local resource.

Resources to help make your bill more manageable

If winter bills are creating financial stress, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Several assistance programs are available, including:

• CARE and FERA bill discounts, which provide reduced electricity rates for income-qualified households
• Payment assistance programs administered through PG&E
• Rebates for energy-efficient appliances, water heaters and heat pumps

If you’re unsure what you qualify for, our Account Service team will be happy to walk through options with you and also to help you assess whether you are on the best electricity rate. Call (707) 269-1700 or email info@redwoodenergy.org today!

Free upgrades to help you save

RCEA offers a no-cost energy efficiency kit for customers, available in partnership with the Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN). The kit includes simple upgrades like LED bulbs and other efficiency items that can help lower energy use right away.

It’s one of the easiest ways to make your home more energy-efficient without spending extra money. Check it out at at this link.

What Next?

This Community Energy Insights series is designed to answer real questions we hear from the community and share practical information you can use right away. In future articles, we’ll dig into topics like clean energy projects, electric transportation and how local energy choices impact Humboldt County.

Get in Touch

If you have questions or want to learn more about available programs, reach out to Redwood Coast Energy Authority via phone, (707) 269-1700, email info@redwoodenergy.org, or stop by our office in Eureka at 633 3rd St. We’re proud to serve this community — especially during the colder months, when reliable, affordable electricity matters most.