Celebrate Energy Efficiency Day – And the Savings That Follow

The U.S. has acknowledged every first Wednesday in October since 2016 as a day to celebrate energy efficiency: an affordable, simple and powerful way we can all band together to combat climate change.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has estimated that easily implemented efficiency improvements could cut U.S. energy use in half by 2050.

With our summers getting hotter (July 2023 was the hottest recorded month in human history), demand for air conditioning and energy overall has similarly surged. Along with aging grid infrastructure, using both hardware and software to reduce unnecessary energy use is one of the most cost-effective ways to safeguard the grid and prevent power outages.

But Energy Efficiency Day on October 4 is not just a day to encourage saving energy. Energy efficiency is also an economic engine, amassing a U.S. workforce of millions, ranging from professional services to manufacturing, installation and construction. These good jobs are local and are here to stay because they cannot be outsourced.

Energy efficiency also means better health and cleaner air. Reducing annual electricity reduces asthma and can save Americans billions every year in health care costs. Saving energy also could help the U.S. cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050.

And of course, energy efficiency means saving money on your power bill. Doing so does not require any huge lift. There are several small home upgrades that can make a big difference.

Set the Right Temperature

Adjusting your thermostat higher in the summer and lower in the winter when you are not home can help conserve energy.

Get the Timing Right

So can choosing not to use major appliances during peak power demand hours, which are typically between 4-7 p.m. when electricity prices are highest. Heat-producing tasks such as drying laundry, using a dishwasher, and cooking can also make your air conditioning (AC) work harder. Timing these chores for a cooler part of the day or using other appliances such as a toaster oven can help keep energy costs down and your living space more comfortable.

Direct the Sunlight

Window curtains, shades and blinds can keep things cool in the hottest months and help warm things up in the winter. That means keeping window coverings closed in the daytime when the sun is brightest and hottest, and closing shades and curtains as well, especially if your windows are older or get a lot of direct sunlight.

Fill the Gaps

Caulking and sealing gaps in windows and doors can also be a simple, quick and inexpensive way to create a stronger barrier and improve your home’s efficiency by reducing the time you need to use your heating and cooling system or HVAC. Better insulation can further save money by extending the life of the HVAC unit as well.

Use Smart Lighting

Still using old incandescent light bulbs? Replacing them with LEDs can save power and money while reducing the extra bulb heat that’s adding to your cooling costs. LEDs create as much light as older incandescent bulbs but consume only half the energy or less and can last 25 times longer.

Buy Energy STAR® Appliances

Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying an AC or other appliances. Also, choosing the smallest unit appropriate for your living space will yield the best value. Many tags have average energy use and estimated annual cost to help you make an informed purchase.

Shop for Discounted Energy-Efficient Products at OCPA’s Online Marketplace

There is more you can expect from OCPA as well. To help customers with their energy-saving goals, OCPA recently launched an online marketplace where our customers qualify to receive rebates and major discounts on energy-efficient products. Among the large variety of products available are air purifiers, outdoor lawn equipment, lighting, power strips, home energy monitors and more.

Unlike for-profit utilities, OCPA can’t make a profit. So, it reinvests revenue back into the community by doing things like offering energy efficiency rebates, educational programs, and grants for businesses to create more energy-efficient facilities.

That’s in addition to using net income to help stabilize electricity prices, provide incentives for solar installations, and develop more local renewable energy sources in and near Orange County.

Visit www.energyefficiencyday.org for more tips. This Energy Efficiency Day, celebrate what you are doing – and consider what you can still do – to conserve energy and save your budget.

About Orange County Power Authority

The Orange County Power Authority is a not-for-profit public agency that offers clean power at competitive rates, significantly reducing energy-related greenhouse emissions and enabling reinvestment in local energy programs. To learn more, visit www.ocpower.org.