Douglas Utilities Offers Tips to Save On Electric Bills

Douglas Utilities will celebrate Public Power Week from Oct. 6 to 12, 2024, along with the American Public Power Association and approximately 2,000 other community-owned, not-for-profit electric utilities that collectively provide electricity to 54 million Americans. This year, Public Power Week focuses on providing reliable, affordable, sustainable, and customer-focused services to the community.

"We know that using energy wisely to lower monthly electric bills is important to Douglas residents. And we recognize that even as our utility builds for the future we encourage our customers to do their part to help save energy," says Charlie Davis, City Manager. "While we are sharing these tips before Public Power Week, we hope our community will keep an eye on energy efficiency all year round as we work to provide a reliable, safe, affordable, and renewable power supply."

Here are a few tips on how to save energy and money in your home:

• According to the Alliance to Save Energy, the average U.S. home uses 70 light bulbs. Even though modern bulbs are energy efficient, you should still turn them off when they aren't in use.
• Swap out old incandescent bulbs for new LED bulbs. According to the Department of Energy, residential LEDs -- especially ENERGY STAR-rated products -- use at least 75% less energy, and last up to 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting
• Heating and cooling your home uses a lot of energy. Set your thermostat lower (68 degrees) in the winter and higher (78 degrees) in the summer to save energy and money on your power bill.
• Unplug appliances when you aren't using them. Even when they aren't being used, they are sometimes drawing "phantom power," which wastes energy.
• Your home's water heater uses a lot of energy. Use cold water when possible and turn off the hot water while you are scrubbing your hands.
• Consider asking your utility about a home energy audit. Energy efficiency experts can use special equipment to find things around your home-like air leaks-that may be costing you energy and money.

For more information about Public Power Week, visit www.publicpower.org/event/public-power-week.