While last year’s winter was unseasonably warm, the coming winter months are anticipated to be cold. Utility costs are expected to rise this winter, but there are ways people can save on their energy bills.

Minnesota Power, the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency and and ComfortSystems, hosted the 21st Energy Awareness Expo. The annual event took place at the Salvation Army in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The purpose is to connect income-qualified customers to community resources that help make energy more affordable.

Crystal Pelkey is a Customer Programs and Services Rep. with Minnesota Power. She says they provide programs to help with saving energy bills. From budget billing to the cold weather rule. Pelkey says Minnesota Power will not disconnect their customers if they call Minnesota Power and set up a payment plan.

“Customers do have higher bills in the winter. So we offer many programs available to help our customers save energy and save money. One of the great tools we have online is called My Account,” Pelkey said. “So you can go on and check your energy usage. See how it varies over date ranges and based on the weather patterns. Also set energy markers to be able to check your energy usage and how it varies based on certain circumstances. So it’s a great tool for customers to be able to monitor their energy use.”

October is Energy Awareness Month, Duluth residents have an opportunity to apply for Energy Assistance. Also people can learn about resources to help with utility bills, home efficiency, safe housing and related affordability programs.

Jenae Pitoscia, the Project Coordinator with ComfortSystems, says there’s several ways residents can cut back on utility costs. She says replacing furnace filters monthly, sealing any air leaks in windows and doors, and wash clothes in cold water.

“So the most important thing is to get your heating units checked. So get them cleaned, make sure you’re changing out your furnace filters. That is super important to do every year,” Pitoscia said. “The other thing that’s really nice is if you use those window kits, which we’re providing here today, that will help save on your energy bill.”

Here are a few other tips to help save money on the electric bill:

• Unplugging unused appliances or electronics
• Lowering the temperature of your hot water heater by 10 degrees
• Turning off lights you’re not using
• An energy audit is an inexpensive process that can help you save money on electricity and promote energy conservation
• Lower the temperature in your home at night and during peak times

Some of the local non-profits who helped out with the annual Energy Awareness Expo are One Roof Community Housing, HRA, Ecolibrium 3, Citizens Utility Board, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, and St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services.

If you’re looking to get more of questions answered, there will be another Energy Awareness Expo in International Falls at the Backus Community Center next Tuesday.