GRAYSON COUNTY, TX -- As the temperature drops, soon it will time to turn on the heat. That means higher electric bills in the coming months. But some local cities are standing up to energy increases. Rashi Vats explains.

Denison and Van Alstyne are just two of the cities doing what they can to save money and energy, and there are things that you can do as well.

We use electricity everyday, without even thinking twice until we get the bill.

Van Alstyne city manager Bill Herrington says rising energy costs led the city to overspend their electricity budget by five percent. Now in anticipation of another increase, city officials have increased next year’s budget, and that is forcing some adjustments.

"What we've done is taken money from other line items and put it into our energy consumption budget," Van Alstyne city manager Bill Herrington says.

Denison is facing a similar money crunch. On Wednesday they joined other Grayson County cities to talk about drafting a response to Oncor's requested energy rate increase.

Mayor Robert Brady says Denison is also participating in the 'CAPS' Program. The goal of the program is to bring area cities together to strike a deal with local energy providers to get electricity at a lower, constant price, but that option is not available to individuals.

"The individual is responsible to find the best rate he can. They deregulated the market therefore there are a lot of people that you can get your electricity from, so you just have to find the best rate you can get,” Denison mayor Robert Brady says.

There are some ways that you can save on your electric bill at home. Oncor representatives say turn your refrigerator down. That actually accounts for about 20% of your bill. Also have plenty of clean filters for your heating unit, look at weather stripping around your house, and have your heating and cooling systems serviced before winter starts.

It's not only about the money. Saving electricity is also good for the environment. For more ways that you can conserve energy, check the links below.

http://www.kxii.com/green

http://www.kxii.com/green/misc/19989154.html