It’s Up to You

“To run today’s economy without the energy efficiency improvements that have taken place since 1973, we would need 43percent more energy supplies than we currently use – more energy than we currently generate from any single fuel source like nuclear, gas, coal or renewables,” explains Jim Kerr, President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).

Simply put, that means that, through energy efficiency, we’ve had to build far fewer expensive generation plants in the United States over the last 35 years than would have otherwise been necessary to keep the lights on.

We’ll have to find similar efficiencies over the next 25 years plus build new sources of generation if we want to keep the lights on at affordable prices and support our economy.

Why?

• Because we’ll need 40 percent more electricity by 2030 than exists today.

• Because efficiency is a proven source of generation capacity.

• Because we’ll need EVERY source of environmentally responsible electricity to meet this monumental challenge.

• Because efficiency is the cleanest, cheapest source.

• Because fuel, construction, environmental and raw materials costs are ALL going up … significantly.

Using energy wisely is the single most important thing you can personally do to help us keep your lights on at affordable costs.

We’ll continue our efforts to educate Congress about the electric energy crisis that is heading our way, the “Perfect Storm” we’ve been telling you about. But you must buy into the energy efficiency lifestyle that achieved a 43 percent reductions in energy requirements since 1973.

How?

• Read OAEC President Bill Kimbrell’s message on this same page. It’s full of great ideas.

• Utilize all the efficiency tips we provide you in Oklahoma Living. Clip them out and post them on your refrigerator or bulletin board.

• Get the kids and grandkids involved. They will remind you if you forget.

• Act on what you learn.

Using electricity wisely is absolutely vital to our energy and economic future.

Cooperative electricity is our energy, our future … and it’s up to you.

Kissing Cousins of Energy 

Turn on the lights and the TV, boot up the computer and head to the kitchen to start dinner. Arriving home after a full day at work, most of us walk through a familiar routine.

We hardly take a step that does not involve the reliable flow of electricity. And every light switch or appliance we turn on sends the electric meter outside spinning a little faster and the monthly bill a little higher.

Meanwhile, it’s hard to escape the media coverage surrounding climate change as evening news reporters drone on about global warming.

We watch with concern and ask, “Is there anything one person can do to make a difference?” The answer is an emphatic, “Yes.” It starts with learning all we can about energy conservation and efficiency. While they are not the same thing, they are close relatives.

Conservation occurs when we reduce our total consumption of electricity, often achieved by simply turning off anything that consumes electricity when not needed.

Energy efficiency occurs when we replace or upgrade the essentials in our lives (e.g., appliances, lighting, insulation), allowing us to realize the same benefit with less waste.

If you want to help, evaluate what measures you can take to make your residence more energy efficient. Then take action. The cumulative effect of such small steps in homes and businesses will have a direct impact on our nation’s entire electric grid – reducing demand during peak periods, cutting emissions of greenhouse gases and lowering overall costs to co-ops and consumer-members. Not to mention energy efficiency helps manage load growth and delays the need to build new electric generation facilities.

America’s electric co-ops are working with public officials at all levels to identify and adopt achievable and balanced solutions to climate change. One of quickest remedies involves embracing those “kissing cousins”– conservation and efficiency – and making them part of our daily routine. Although energy consumption will continue to increase, by using electricity more efficiently, we can slow the overall growth of our power needs.