Serving Up Savings

Posted: November 1, 2023 at 10:58 am
Woman working in the kitchen with little girl
The holidays are a joyous time of year, bringing a frenzy of decorating, cooking and family gatherings. If the extra hustle and bustle leaves you with higher energy bills, PRECO can help you find ways to save.

The holidays are just around the corner, bringing the promise of joy, festive music, and sparkling lights. Amidst the celebrations, it’s important to be mindful of the potential for higher energy bills due to holiday activities.

Peace River Electric Cooperative is here to remind our members of effective ways to reduce monthly energy consumption and costs.

Energy-saving tips

Winter often brings the highest energy bills of the year. Consider minor, low-cost improvements such as weatherstripping exterior doors and caulking around drafty windows to save energy. Find more energy-saving tips on our website at PRECO.coop. If you need personalized energy-saving guidance or a free home energy audit, contact our expert energy services team at 800-282-3824.

Be festive without breaking the bank

Brighten your holidays without straining your budget by opting for LED holiday lights. These lights use a mere 12% of the energy incandescent bulbs consume. You can expect LED holiday lights to add about $5 to $7 to energy bills, compared to $33 or more for incandescent. As a bonus, LEDs are shock-resistant, shatterproof, and cool to the touch, making them safer.

Consider using smart light timers, which can be connected to smartphone apps or voice assistants, allowing you to program lights to turn on and off at set times. If you don’t use smart home technology, you can still save energy with traditional timers.

Energy-Efficient Cooking

When hosting parties during the holidays, control energy consumption in the kitchen with small countertop appliances like microwaves, air fryers, and slow cookers whenever possible. These appliances consume much less energy compared to traditional stovetops and ovens. When using the oven, bake multiple dishes at once, and turn off the oven a few minutes early to allow the residual heat to finish the job. Match the pan size to the stovetop burner to maximize energy efficiency.

I hope you find these holiday tips helpful. Remember, we’re here to answer any questions you have about managing energy use or your monthly bills. By planning ahead, you can enjoy an energy-efficient and cost-effective holiday season.

From your friends at PRECO, we hope your holidays are wonderful.