Teach them young

Lesson 1: Turn off the lights 

Lighting makes up about 5% of your electric bill each month. Teach kids to turn off the lights whenever they leave a room. Use stickers to help incentivize young kids to conserve, and use your electric bill to show teens and older children how simple habits can make a difference.

Lesson 2: Think cool, choose cold water over hot

Encourage kids to take cooler, shorter showers. Your hot water heater accounts for up to 20% of your energy costs. Also remember to model good habits yourself — don’t let hot water run while you’re your brushing teeth, doing dishes, or any other chores.

Lesson 3: Swap out screen time when possible

Help kids find activities that don’t require electricity. Have them pick up a book, play a board game with the family, make a craft, complete an art project, or play outside. These activities will help stimulate their creativity and cut down on energy use.

Lesson 4: Remember to unplug devices

Don’t let energy vampires raise your bill. Remind teens to unplug nonessential devices when they’re not using them, including phones, computers, tablets, chargers, video game consoles, and other electronics. Pro Tip: Use a smart power strip to limit the amount of energy these electronics consume.

Lesson 5: Ease darkness fears with a flashlight or LED nightlight

Young children who are afraid of the dark will often turn on lights to feel comfortable. A flashlight or LED night light can offer comfort and ease their nighttime fears. There are many cute options available for kids, from LED animal-shaped night light buddies, to flashlights with their favorite cartoon characters. Plus, these use much less energy than leaving the lights on in their room and around the house.

Find more kid-friendly information, created by PEC at pec.coop/empowerU.