Press Release: PEC provides tips for back-to-school energy savings
Cooperative encourages simple steps to make the grade on energy bills
As students and teachers prepare for the upcoming schoolyear, energy experts at Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) are sharing tips for energy savings. Before leaving home for school and extracurricular activities, families can adopt simple habits to help save energy and teach kids how to contribute. Here are some ideas to help score straight A’s on energy bills.
Download sound bites from Kendra Acosta, PEC Media Affairs and Communications Strategist
LEAVING HOME? RAISE YOUR THERMOSTAT AND UNPLUG ELECTRONICS.
Between the school day and after-school activities, family time at home is likely to be limited. Before heading out, members should raise their thermostat 3-5 degrees and ask kids to remind them to do this. Teens should unplug nonessential devices before leaving home, this includes TVs, stereo equipment, chargers, video game consoles, and computers. If parents prefer their children not unplug these items, use a surge protector and switch it off to help limit wasted energy.
NEED A SHOWER? KEEP IT SHORT AND COOL.
Water heater costs can make up as much as 20% of energy bills. Explain to kids that heating water uses a lot of energy and costs more money than using cold water. Encourage cooler, shorter showers and install a low-flow showerhead. Remind kids to turn off the water when they’re brushing their teeth or doing chores.
EXITING THE ROOM? TURN OFF LIGHTS AND FANS.
Teach kids to turn off lights and fans whenever they leave a room. Incentivize little ones with stickers, or start a family game where the person who remembers to turn these off earns points toward a prize! Use your electric bill to show teens and older children how these energy- saving actions help financially.
GRABBING A SNACK? REMEMBER TO CLOSE THE FRIDGE.
Show kids how to properly close doors to the refrigerator and the freezer. Leave sticky note reminders on the fridge or if children are too young to read, leave a drawing.
Find more great energy-saving tips at pec.coop/savings.