What to expect on your November bill

After a hot summer, North Texans caught a break in October with average highs in the upper 70s and lows in the upper 50s.

CoServ Members should expect October electricity usage to be lower than September. Looking back at last year, Members should expect usage to be similar to last October.

Weather is the number-one factor affecting electricity use and the closer the average temperature is to 65 degrees, the less energy is required to remain comfortable indoors.

Overall, the average temperature was 69.2 degrees – slightly above that sweet spot. The more the average temperature deviates above or below 65 degrees, the more heating or cooling is needed. That’s the basis for calculating Cooling Degree Days (CDD) and Heating Degree Days (HDD). Just subtract the average temperature for a day from 65 to calculate the CDD. When it’s colder than 65 degrees, subtract the average temperature from 65 to calculate the HDD. Add up the CDD or HDD over a period of time to see measure how much energy was needed.

The CDD dropped from 595 in September to 222 in October, a 63 percent decrease as homeowners used less air conditioning. There were also eight nights where temperatures reached 55 degrees or lower. Based on those temperatures, the HDD for October were 81, up from 0 in September.

October also helped relieve the drought in North Texas as the region received 9.63 inches of rain.

Cooler weather is on the way for North Texas in November. Be prepared with these Winter Savings Series tips