Everyone Has a Role in Achieving Energy Efficiency
“Energy efficient” is a phrase we often see on product labels or advertisements, but being more energy efficient is something we all can do to manage use and keep costs low.
How Your Cooperative Keeps Energy Costs Low
Looking for the most efficient way to power your home or business is part of what we do every day at Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC).
EREC examines a variety of wholesale generation resources to serve members, and it looks ahead to ensure members have the reliable, low-cost energy needed for the future. This means contracting for long-term power purchases and buying power from the market to meet energy needs at the lowest cost.
Escambia River also provides information and materials to guide members through steps to maximize energy efficiency. Cooperatives provide resources such as energy-efficiency loans (for making energy-saving improvements to your home), rebates (on certain high-efficiency heating and cooling systems), and discounts on high-efficiency water heaters.
Contact your local cooperative at (850) 675-4521 to find out about programs available to you.
What You Can Do
As a member, you can improve the energy efficiency of your home or business. The following options allow you to carry out daily routines while consuming less energy:
- Switch to LED lightbulbs and modern Energy Star-rated appliances, which use less energy to provide light or complete a task. LED bulbs save you money and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
- According to the IRS, if you make qualified energy-efficient improvements to your home, you can qualify for a tax credit of up to $3,200. These improvements include upgrading insulation and replacing exterior doors, windows, and skylights. Find out more on the IRS website.
- Improve your power management. Whether it’s a computer that’s set to go to sleep after a certain time, or using programmable thermostats to control heat or AC, managing your power use is critical to lowering energy use.
- When it comes to choosing products, nothing can save you more than choosing an energy-efficient heat pump.
Find out more about how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency on the Energy website.