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Plotting Out Big Energy Savings
November 17, 2009
We at South Plains Electric Cooperative often suggest ways that you can reduce your electric bills by making home energy efficiency improvements. Weatherization—sealing air leaks and installing the proper amount of insulation—can make a big difference.
As cold weather sets in, my thoughts turn to the garden I’ll put in next spring. By the time the soil warms enough for the first seed, I’ll likely have scribbled out half a dozen or more blueprints for what I’ll plant and where. In the end, my garden will be better for it.
But just as scattering seeds randomly yields a lean harvest, energy efficiency upgrades done without knowledge of how your residence uses energy may not produce significant savings.
What to find out exactly what you can save? Go to www.TogetherWeSave.com. On the site, you can investigate energy savings by taking the Virtual Home Tour, watching energy efficiency-themed videos on the Touchstone Energy Web TV portal and using nine interactive applications to explore in detail the actions you can take and the money you’ll save.
For example, seal a few cracks around the house with a tube of caulk and save $212 a year; add insulation and save $240 a year; and a programmable thermostat for your home can save you $280 a year. These are just a few examples how little changes can add up to big savings.
If you’re not plugged into the Internet, no problem, we have a variety of brochures offering money-saving ideas and tips. Call or stop by your local service office for your copy.
Perhaps most important, middle- and low-income members can apply for help through the federal Weatherization Assistance Program. Households with incomes at or below 200 percent of the national poverty level are eligible. Program participants receive a professional energy consultation; workers then arrive to make energy upgrades like insulating walls and roofs and sealing air leaks, all free of charge.
The program covers all of those under the set income limit, whether they own or rent, live in a single-family home, multi-family housing complex, or a mobile home. For more information, contact the local state agency serving the county where you live.
• Caprock Community Action Association serving Crosby, Dickens, Floyd, Hale, King and Motley counties. Phone: 806.675.7307.
• Community Action Program serving Kent and Stonewall counties. Phone: 325.673.5785.
• City of Lubbock Community Development Department serving Lubbock county. Phone: 806.775.2301.
• Panhandle Community Services serving Childress and Hall counties. Phone: 806.372.2531.
• Rolling Plains Management Corporation serving Cottle, Foard and Hardeman counties. Phone: 940.684.1571.
• South Plains Community Action Association serving Garza, Hockley and Lynn counties. Phone: 806.894.6104.
The Cooperative provides you with a variety of tools to meet your energy saving needs.