Conservation and efficiency

Using less energy isn’t about making drastic lifestyle changes or sacrifices. Conservation and efficiency measures can be as simple as improving the standards for new buildings so that they use less energy for heating and cooling, replacing an old refrigerator with one that doesn’t waste as much power, or adjusting the thermostat before leaving home.

Not only do conservation and efficiency ease electricity crunches by reducing demand, but also cut smog and air pollution because they reduce the amount of coal, gas and oil that is burned. As well, cutting energy use saves consumers and businesses money. It’s a win-win situation.

Helpful hints

• Replacing frequently used regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs can save 200 kilowatt-hours per year.
• Raise air conditioner temperature settings by a few degrees and turn it off when you’re away.
• People with electric water heaters can save between 200 and 1,400 kilowatt hours per year by fixing leaky taps, insulating their water heater and switching to more efficient showerheads.
• Wash clothes in cold or lukewarm water because up to 90 per cent of the energy consumed in washing is used to heat the water.
• Consider modernizing appliances because a modern refrigerator uses less than one half the electricity of a refrigerator that is 12 years old.

Economic benefits

Experience from across North America has proven that it is significantly cheaper to invest in energy efficiency than to build or even maintain polluting sources of electricity supply.

The state of California’s energy-efficiency standards for appliances and buildings have helped Californians save more than $15.8 billion in electricity and natural gas costs.