Bethel Finance: Consumers to be offered 20% discount for lowering electricity use

www.bethelfinance.com
The Public Utilities Authority (Electricity) has launched a new sales campaign, "Conserve and save", offering discounts of up to 20% on electricity bills of customers who reduce their electricity consumption this summer.

Customers who reduce their monthly electricity consumption by 10-30% in July-September, compared with the summer of 2011, will receive a 10% discount. Customers who reduce their consumption by 30% will receive a 20% discount.

To participate in the sales campaign, customers must sign up on the Israel Electric Corporation's (IEC) (TASE: ELEC.B22) website.

In a statement, the Public Utilities Authority said, "To reduce electricity consumption and benefit from the discount, consumers are advised to set the thermostat of their air conditioners at 25 degrees Celsius, and reduce the use of energy guzzlers, such as clothes dryers, hot water heaters, and dishwashers."

The Public Utilities Authority is worried that IEC may not be able to meet peak electricity demand this summer, due to the shortage of natural gas caused by disruptions in deliveries from Egypt.

In February, the Public Utilities Authority announced a hearing on another electricity rate hike by 13.4% in three steps by the end of 2014, including a 6.6% rate hike at the end of March.