Energy Conservation Tips - January 22, 2001

This page last reviewed August 27, 2004

Tips for Consumers, Businesses, and Schools
California's Energy Challenge

The energy challenge facing California is real. California continues to experience electrical shortages and rolling blackouts throughout the State. To reduce the risk of power outages, the most important thing we can do in the short term is reduce our demand for electricity and use energy more efficiently.
The Governor and leaders of the California Legislature are working with utility companies, generators and consumer groups to fashion long-term solutions for reliable and affordable electricity. The State has already implemented a plan to reduce consumption by at least 8 percent across the board. And you have an important role to play right now.
We in California have the power of nearly 35 million people and are the sixth largest economy in the world. By reducing our electricity demand we can help avoid shortages and lower energy bills. All you have to do is FLEX YOUR POWER.
Simple things that you can do right now to reduce demand and cut your own energy costs:

For Consumers

  • For Summer settings, please turn thermostats up to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away. For Winter settings, please turn thermostats down to 68 degrees or below. (For each one degree, you'll save up to 5 percent on your heating / cooling costs.)

  • Turn off non-essential lights and appliances.

  • Avoid running large appliances such as washers, dryers, and electric ovens during peak demand hours from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

  • Close shades and blinds at night to reduce the amount of heat gained or lost through windows.       

  • Buy Energy Star appliances, products and lights.

For Business

  • For Summer settings, please turn thermostats up to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away. For Winter settings, please turn thermostats down to 68 degrees or below. (For each one degree, you'll save up to 5 percent on your heating / cooling costs.)

  • Turn off all unnecessary lights, especially in unused offices and conference rooms and turn down remaining lighting levels where possible.

  • Set computers, monitors, printers, copiers and other business equipment to their energy saving feature, and turn them off at the end of the day.

  • Minimize energy usage during peak demand hours from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

  • Buy Energy Star appliances, products, and lights.

Tips for Kids and Teachers

  • Choose an energy monitor for your classroom every week who will make sure that energy is being used properly.

  • Start an "Energy Patrol" at school and at home. Check out the California Energy Commission's website -- www.energy.ca.gov/education for more ideas.

  • At home, hold a ribbon up to the edges of windows and doors. If it blows, you've found a leak. Tell your parents.

  • When you leave the room, turn off the light.

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