For Immediate Release:                             Contact: Will Holford or Barbara Turner July 17, 2009                                                                              (512) 332-7955 or (512) 308-7508

 

(Bastrop, Texas) -- As record-breaking heat and a prolonged drought continue to grip Central Texas, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative encouraged its members to be smart consumers of electricity by utilizing Bluebonnet’s HomeEnergySuite at www.bluebonnetelectric.coop.

 

Although Bluebonnet has not seen near record-setting energy consumption like last summer, continued days of triple-digit heat are leading to high energy usage and costly electric bills. Bluebonnet introduced the HomeEnergySuite feature on its Web site in March 2009 to provide its members with information and tools they can use to make their homes more energy efficient, thereby reducing their monthly electric bills.

 

“No one has ever seen a Texas summer electric bill they liked,” said Mark Rose, Bluebonnet General Manager and CEO. “But, it is important that Bluebonnet provide its members with technology necessary to control their own energy usage. This technology will empower our members to be prepared for extreme temperatures, both during summer and winter months.”

 

Temperatures in June, and so far in July, have been above-average, according to LCRA meteorologist Bob Rose, who said the hot, dry weather pattern is likely to continue throughout the remainder of the summer.

 

The HomeEnergySuite of online tools offers four modules, with the HomeEnergyCalculator as the core application, and is enhanced with other valuable applications such as Interactive House, the HomeEnergyLibrary and Kids Korner. The HomeEnergyCalculator estimates a home’s energy bill and potential savings after basic information about the home is entered. The calculator quickly and easily produces monthly and annual energy cost estimates for the home and offers suggestions for home improvements that may prove vital to saving money in future months.

 

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative is one of the largest electric cooperatives in Texas and has been serving its members since 1939. Bluebonnet serves 80,000 meters and owns and maintains 11,000 miles of power lines, located across more than 3,800 square miles within 14 Central Texas counties. Bluebonnet’s service area stretches from Travis County to Washington County and from Milam County down to Gonzales County. For more information about Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative go to www.bluebonnetelectric.coop.

 

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