Energy Tips

Our Energy, Our Future: A Dialogue With America

South Plains Electric Cooperative remains dedicated to providing you with safe, affordable and reliable electric power in an environmentally sound way. But with growing demand for electricity and pressure mounting in Congress to address climate change, it's time for us to get involved and ask our elected officials some tough questions.

To develop the technology needed to keep the lights on and rates affordable, the federal government must exercise committed leadership and provide funding on the scale of the Apollo moon program or Manhattan atomic bomb project. Without it, and without a sound, responsible, sustainable energy policy, we risk returning to a time when electric service was a privilege enjoyed only by the wealthy. As electric cooperative members, you can help prevent that from happening.

Electric cooperatives across the country have launched a grassroots campaign called "Our Energy, Our Future: A Dialogue with America," to start a dialogue by asking our lawmakers critical questions. Please visit www.ourenergy.coop to contact your elected officials and make your voice heard.

You Have the Power to Control Your Energy Costs

As the cost of energy goes up, more and more people are concerned about their utility bills. Consumers are looking for ways to manage their energy use and reduce costs. Touchstone Energy cooperatives have always placed a high priority on promoting energy efficiency to their members. That's why we've created Touchstone Energy Savers to help you get on your way toward better energy management for your home.

Renewable Energy Sources

South Plains Electric Cooperative believes that wind power and other renewable energy sources will be an important part of a balanced energy portfolio for our future. If you are considering adding a renewable resource for your personal use, we've answered some of the questions you might have. If you have specific questions for the Cooperative, send them to us by using the contact form.

America's electric cooperatives are actively involved in producing and distributing renewable energy throughout the country. From wind to solar to biomass, cooperatives are leading the way in providing renewable energy for America.

America's electric cooperative network, which brings reliable, cost-effective power to more than 40 million consumers, has a deep appreciation for the desire to gain energy independence. Electric cooperatives are actively involved in producing and distributing renewable energy throughout the country. Learn about electric cooperatives and renewable energy (3.2MB PDF).

Energy Savings Home Tour

There are many things you can do in your home to make it more energy efficient. Take the Touchstone Energy Home Tour to find ways you can save energy. After you're done with the tour, you can download a copy of Touchstone Energy's popular Home Energy Savings Guide for more energy efficiency tips and resources.

Light Bulb Energy Saver

Switching from regular incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents can help make your home more energy efficient and save you money. Find out how much you can save by using the Touchstone Energy Light Bulb Calculator. Ready to purchase compact fluorescents? Save 20% by using your Member Advantages log-in and go to the energy savings products page.

Home Energy Audit — Online

This robust online audit will help you identify the best ways to manage and save energy in your home. The resource quickly calculates home energy use based on a detailed description of your home, its appliances and geographic location.

Home Energy Savings Guide

You have the power to control your energy costs. This Home Energy Savings Guide (1.5MB PDF) is a starting point to get you on the way toward better energy management for your home. In this booklet you'll find valuable tips designed to create greater home comfort and improve performance. Learn how to save energy in all areas of your home. There is a list of additional resources located at the end of this booklet.

Seal the Deal

One of the best and easiest ways for members to save on their energy bills is to make sure that their homes are properly sealed. Hidden cracks and improper insulation in your home can amount to as much heat loss as having a window open year-round. That is why Touchstone Energy has teamed up with Energy Star to bring you "Seal the Deal." Seal the Deal is a short do-it-yourself video that shows what you can do to seal those small cracks and insulate your house to reduce your energy bill.

Heating and Cooling Energy Savings

Consumers spend roughly 56 percent of their total home energy costs on heating and cooling. Taking steps to create heating and cooling systems in your home that are more energy efficient can help reduce the costs in this area. Touchstone Energy has partnered with the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) association to provide you with tips for reducing costs of your home's heating and cooling systems (336KB PDF), and help finding a certified contractor in your area.

Touchstone Energy Kids Zone

The Touchstone Energy Kids Zone is a cool place where kids can learn about electricity, energy savings and electrical safety. Energy is part of our daily lives. Every time you watch television or turn on a light, you are using electricity. We have some fun games and activities that will help kids learn about energy and energy efficiency. We also have lots of information you can share with your family and friends.

Battle of the Water Heaters

Learn which is the best type of water heater to have and why.