SRP sent us a proposal at the beginning of the summer. Choose 3 hours to cut down on energy use during peak times and get a reduction on you bill.
We looked at the fine print. We had nothing to lose. If we didn’t see savings (or more importantly, couldn’t go without AC for three hours) then we could opt out.
Let me begin by saying – that yes, we are saving on our electric bill. We have saved an average of $95 a month. Holding out AC for three hours has tested our resolve. We often find ourselves counting down to 6 p.m. with the anticipation of the first space launch.
When I struggle to make the sacrifice, I remind myself that beyond saving money this is an altruistic endeavor. I am cutting down on my family’s consumption so my elderly neighbor with health issues can run her AC. I am cutting down usage so that the power grid isn’t overly taxed. It’s my little part to help the environment (still doing penance for the VW Jetta TDI).
And here’s how we did it:
☐ Get a Nest. Or purchase any other programmable thermostat and then program it. We like the Nest because we can manage the home thermostat from our phone. It is incredibly user friendly and learns your habits. It’s also aesthetically pleasing.
☐ Tweak your routine. The laundry and dishes don’t have to be done as soon as you get home. The dishwasher and laundry get done at night at our house now. Dinner got pushed back by an hour.
☐ Institute quiet time. If we were in other country, we might have a siesta. But the kids are adamant against a napping policy. Instead we try to do quiet activities, such as reading books while munching on cold popsicles.
Salt River Project also has some great tips on how to manage your energy use during peak times. http://www.srpnet.com/prices/home/ez3.aspx
I encourage all of those who can to sign up. If you are in Arizona, you shouldn’t be afraid to sweat it out a couple of hours a day.
We looked at the fine print. We had nothing to lose. If we didn’t see savings (or more importantly, couldn’t go without AC for three hours) then we could opt out.
Let me begin by saying – that yes, we are saving on our electric bill. We have saved an average of $95 a month. Holding out AC for three hours has tested our resolve. We often find ourselves counting down to 6 p.m. with the anticipation of the first space launch.
When I struggle to make the sacrifice, I remind myself that beyond saving money this is an altruistic endeavor. I am cutting down on my family’s consumption so my elderly neighbor with health issues can run her AC. I am cutting down usage so that the power grid isn’t overly taxed. It’s my little part to help the environment (still doing penance for the VW Jetta TDI).
And here’s how we did it:
☐ Get a Nest. Or purchase any other programmable thermostat and then program it. We like the Nest because we can manage the home thermostat from our phone. It is incredibly user friendly and learns your habits. It’s also aesthetically pleasing.
☐ Tweak your routine. The laundry and dishes don’t have to be done as soon as you get home. The dishwasher and laundry get done at night at our house now. Dinner got pushed back by an hour.
☐ Institute quiet time. If we were in other country, we might have a siesta. But the kids are adamant against a napping policy. Instead we try to do quiet activities, such as reading books while munching on cold popsicles.
Salt River Project also has some great tips on how to manage your energy use during peak times. http://www.srpnet.com/prices/home/ez3.aspx
I encourage all of those who can to sign up. If you are in Arizona, you shouldn’t be afraid to sweat it out a couple of hours a day.