Energy Curtailment

Energy Curtailment Ideas

Note: These energy tips are intended to curtail energy consumption. Energy efficiency and energy conservation ideas are different and intended to save energy while keeping lifestyles and work related efforts the same or even improving them.

Use common sense. If it’s not being used, turn it off. This includes lights in sunny rooms, lights in rooms not being used, and computers at times when not being used. Close unheated rooms.Reduce exterior decorative lighting.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs: The current generation of these bulbs screw into the same bulb socket as regular light bulbs and produce the same quality of light. A compact fluorescent light bulb uses 70 percent less electricity and lasts up to 10 times longer than an incandescent light bulb.

Computer use: Anytime you can turn your computer off, it will save energy. However, turning the computer off and on several times a day may cause excessive wear and tear and shorten its life. Many computers now have energy saving "sleep" features that save energy when the computer is not being used.

Water Heater: Turn down the thermostat on your electric water heater. Each 10 degrees reduction in water temperature generally saves 3 to 5 percent on water heating.

Home heating thermostats: By turning down your home thermostat at night, you will generally save 2% of your heating bill for each degree lowered.

Home lighting: Check around your house to see if some small changes in your lighting can help you save energy.

	Higher wattage incandescent light bulbs are more efficient than lower-wattage bulbs.
	It takes two 60- or four 40-watt light bulbs to provide as much light as one 100-watt light bulb.
	Use the lowest wattage light bulb to accomplish the task at hand. In other words, don’t use a 100-watt light bulb when a 60-watt will do.Whatever light bulb you use, be careful not to exceed the manufacturer’s recommended wattage for the fixture.

Laundry: Wash clothes during off peak times: in the middle of the day or night. Use the cold or warm wash/cold rinse option on your washing machine. Wash full loads.

Dishwashing: Set the dishwasher to run during off peak times: in the middle of the day or night. Run full dishwasher loads. Use the "energy saver" selection on the dishwasher. Air dry dishes when possible, unless your home has a mold or mildew problem.

Dampers: Close fireplace and wood stove dampers when not in use.

Freezer: Defrost your freezer before frost builds beyond one-quarter inch. A full freezer performs better than one nearly empty. Be sure to clean your refrigerator and freezer coils.