Bluebonnet Urges Members to Conserve Energy

August 2 , 2006

(GIDDINGS, TEXAS) In preparation for what is typically the hottest time of the year, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative is urging its members to conserve as much energy as possible. With record high temperatures not just in Texas, but nationwide, demand for energy has increased substantially. As more and more electricity is used to cool homes during these unseasonably hot times, it is important that energy conservation become a chief concern. To combat these issues, Bluebonnet recommends that its members be proactive in conserving as much
energy as possible. There are many small, no-cost activities members can participate in to reduce the amount of electricity they use. The biggest difference can be seen by setting your air conditioner thermostat to the highest possible comfortable setting. The national average for home energy costs related to heating and cooling is 56 percent, and can cost an average of 45 cents per hour. Any conservation measures undertaken to alleviate that strain will have a noticeable impact on an electric bill. Bluebonnet recommends setting the thermostat at 78 degrees, and using ceiling or other types of fans as much as possible. The national average home energy cost directly related to your appliances and lighting is around 23 percent. To see noticeable savings here, it is recommended that lights and home appliances be turned off when not in use. Also, it is a good idea to replace the most used incandescent light bulbs in your home
with compact fluorescent ones. Compact fluorescent bulbs last 8 to 10 times longer, and use 50 to 75 percent less electricity to produce the same amount of light. Setting the temperature on your water heater to “warm,” and washing clothes in cold water, will also produce a noticeable difference in energy usage, and will ultimately save you money. Every measure that can be taken to reduce energy usage at home, however small it may be, has an affect on not only the monthly bill, but on the entire electric grid. For more information on energy efficiency, please visit Bluebonnet’s website, at www.bluebonnetelectric.coop under the “Conservation and Safety” link.