POWER
Simple steps to help you cut your carbon and costs.
Turn It Off If You're Not Using It
Isn't it what would Mom say? What she might not have said: If it has an "instant on" feature or digital read-outs, turning it off might not be sufficient. See the next tip, below.
Power Strips
Appliances and electronic equipment with "instant on" features or digital LED read-outs use power even when turned "off," unless you plug them into a power strip and turn it off instead.
Green Power
LG&E-KU sells Renewable Energy Credit or "green" power from wind turbines in So. Illinois for as little as $5/mo added to your bill. LCAN recommends this third-party audited program as it's much fairer to consumers than LG&E's "Solar Share" program—which is over-priced and leads customers to see solar power as too costly.
That said, buying one "solar share" is your fastest option for getting a smart meter installed at your home or business, allowing you to monitor your power use in real time and find ways to lower it.
Energy Star
Energy Star models use less power than comparable models, say, among refrigerators of the same size and with the same features. Buying an Energy Star-rated appliance often cost a bit extra, but any price premium will pay for itself quickly. We offer more information on HVAC, water heaters and appliances.
Lighting
Lighting uses more power than you might realize. And because incandescent bulbs are being phased out, it's time to switch them and fluorescent lamps to mercury-free LED bulbs. See our lighting page for consumer and money-saving tips.
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Don't forget to dust exposed light bulbs to boost output.
Ceiling Fans
Using a ceiling fan in an occupied room allows you to adjust the thermostat 2°F higher in summer and 2°F degrees lower in winter and remain comfortable. Ceiling fans in an unoccupied rooms do no good, so turn them off when you leave the room. Don't worry about switching the direction of fan blades if you lack a step ladder or are uncomfortable climbing it. Learn more here.