Two years ago, when threats of rolling blackouts were nearly a
daily occurrence, many people installed energy saving devices in
their homes and Californians were able to save more than 5,500
megawatts of energy.
Two years ago, when threats of rolling blackouts were nearly a daily occurrence, many people installed energy saving devices in their homes and Californians were able to save more than 5,500 megawatts of energy.
This statewide effort contributed to a 6.7 percent reduction in overall electricity consumption in the state and up to a 14 percent reduction in energy demand during summer peak hours. This remarkable accomplishment exceeded nearly everyone’s expectations and the rolling blackouts that experts predicted for the summer of 2001 never materialized.
While the combination of the recession and increased energy supplies for the State have effectively quieted rolling blackout concerns, it still makes a great deal of sense for individual residents and businesses to consider investing in energy-efficient devices. Why? Because they pay off in the long run. Here are three simple areas where you can start:
Lighting: many stores in Morgan Hill carry energy-efficient bulbs that screw into existing fixtures just like regular bulbs. When you replace a 100-watt bulb with a 20-watt replacement that puts out just as much light, you’ve reduced your energy consumption by 80 percent without any compromise in lifestyle or convenience.
If your office hasn’t yet considered replacing older fluorescent fixtures with their newer super-efficient counterparts, it may be time to get an estimate. These often have payback periods of less than two years.
Let us know if you’d like a free copy of Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning: It is possible to save huge amounts of energy in this important area using the following three tips:
• Reduce the demand for heating and cooling: By making sure that your home has good insulation and weatherstripping, you can reduce the need for heating and cooling.
By strategically opening and closing shades, blinds, and drapes, you can use the sun’s energy to help heat your house in the winter. During hot weather, if it is possible to do so safely, consider opening windows at night to cool your house for the next day.
• Purchase extra-efficient heating and cooling devices: If you need to replace your heater or air conditioner, purchase a new one that is extra-efficient. While you may pay a little more initially, these devices last a long time and will almost certainly pay big dividends in the future.
• Adjust your personal comfort zone: Yes, by wearing a sweater on a cold evening and wearing lightweight clothes on a hot day, you and your family (or coworkers) can learn to live comfortably with less heating and cooling.
Water use: The city’s pumps that deliver drinking water to your home and then remove wastewater from it account for over 80 percent of the city’s use of energy. While we are steadily bringing in more efficient pumps to keep our costs down, residents can benefit personally and directly in their pocketbooks by reducing their water consumption.
There are a whole range of water-saving strategies you can use including drip irrigation, efficient plumbing appliances, and garden design that can save you hundreds of dollars a year on your water and sewer bills. Let us know if you’d like a Water Wise Information Package.
Eco Web Page of the Week: The Santa Clara Valley Water District has information about water conservation programs at www.valleywater.org/Water/Water_conservation/index.shtm . Visit them to learn about getting a free Water-Wise House Call.
Eco Fact of the Week: The City has retrofitted much of its lighting and is designing our new facilities to be extra energy efficient.
