No relief in sight for energy prices;
it’s up to us to reduce energy use

Your budget is taking a hard hit from rising energy prices. With worldwide demand for fossil fuels—coal, oil and natural gas—soaring and refinery capacity stretched thin, energy prices are climbing to record levels. And if vacationers hit the roads as usual this summer, the increased demand probably will drive up gasoline prices even more.

As the cost of coal and natural gas rises, so does the cost of generating electricity.

Mississippi’s electric power associations distribute electricity generated by a variety of fuels. We are affected by rising fuel costs, certainly, but our wholesale power providers have some flexibility in the generation fuels they use. By avoiding too much dependence on any one type of fuel to generate electricity, we can keep your cost of power as low as possible.

While we’re working hard to control energy costs, there’s something you can do, too. Use the energy you need, but use it more efficiently.

Becoming more aware of energy use makes it easier to control. Even the simplest things—like turning out the lights—add up to cost savings over the long term.

Heating and cooling account for about 45 percent of your home’s energy use. So it makes sense to start conserving energy by giving your cooling system a break this summer:

Raise your thermostat to at least 78 degrees.

Replace the system’s filter monthly. A dirty filter makes the system work harder longer and can even shorten its life.

Limit cooking during the heat of the day. Cooking adds heat and humidity to the home, which your air conditioner must work to remove.

Your water heater consumes about 11 percent of your home’s total energy use. Give it a rest with these tips:

Wash clothes in cold water.

Run the dishwasher only when full. If your household is small you can probably skip a day before using it.

Take quick showers rather than tub baths.

Other energy gobblers in your home are (in order) the clothes washer and dryer, the refrigerator and lighting. Again, it’s the little things that add up to energy savings. Try these ideas:

Wash only full loads of clothes.

Dry clothes on low heat, or better yet, hang them in the sunshine to dry.

Each time the refrigerator is opened, it loses some of its cool. Teach kids to keep the door closed.

Clean your refrigerator’s coils to improve efficiency. If upgrading to a more efficient model, note each model’s energy ratings when comparison shopping.

Turn out the lights when leaving a room, and replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescents use less energy and emit less heat.

As a consumer-owned cooperative, your electric power association’s job is not only to provide you with reliable power, but to encourage its wise use. If you become more aware of your energy use and make a conscious effort to use it more efficiently, you can limit the impact of rising fuel prices on your budget.

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