ENERGY

What You Can Do

Energy Labels

Energy Jargon

Off Peak Rates

Hot Water

Basic Conservation Measures

Lighting

Basic Conservation Measures

What You Can Do

Ratepayers wring their hands in frustration because they feel there is nothing they can do to combat high electric bills. They are wrong. Although it is true that we need electricity to do various tasks around our homes, we actually require far less electrical power than we currently use. Many people around the country are beginning to realize that there are simple, cheap ways to save on electricity and that in some cases the switch to alternative fuels and new equipment can save them substantial amounts of money over the long run.

Energy Labels on Appliances

Air conditioners, water heaters, dishwashers, clothes washers, freezers, and refrigerator/freezers are now sold with energy labels that indicate the energy required to operate them. As the cost of electricity increases, the operating cost of an appliance becomes very important in your purchase decision. A new refrigerator/freezer that uses 1,100 kwh a year at 9c per kwh will cost $63 less to operate per year than a model of equivalent size that uses 1,800 kwh. If the efficient model costs $750 to buy, for example, and the less efficient model costs $550, the efficient model will earn back its additional purchase cost in 3 to 4 years. Over 15 years of operation--the average life expectancy of a refrigerator-- it should save you at least $1,000 compared to the cheaper model. So clearly, you should compare energy labels and save.

Energy Jargon

Several terms are used repeatedly in the following information.