Today In Mississippi

Squeezed by energy costs?
Get relief by reducing use

By Michael Callahan
Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Executive Vice President/CEO

I heard someone say recently that the cheapest energy is the energy you don’t use. That’s one way to say this: If energy costs (electricity, gasoline, etc.) are stretching your budget to the breaking point, simply use less to pay less.

Record-high gasoline prices are making daily headlines across the country. But according to reports, most folks seem to be struck in the same old driving habits. Not everyone is driving less to pay less at the pump. Go figure.

Higher fuel costs have been affecting the cost of generating electricity for some time. When the price of coal and natural gas shoot upward, our cost of generating electricity follows suit. Our solutions include exploring innovative ways to further cut operating costs, investing in new technology to generate energy more efficiently and encouraging our members to think about ways to reduce their own energy use.

Why would an electric utility encourage you to use less electricity? Consumer-owned electric power associations in Mississippi don’t pull any punches. Our sole reason for existence is to look out for the interests of our owners, the people who buy and use our electricity. We promote the wise use of electricity, not wasteful consumption.

Using electricity wisely doesn’t have to mean drastic changes in lifestyle. Simple, low-cost measures can translate into real energy (and cost) savings over the course of a year or longer.

Electric Co-op Today magazine recently reported on a bill in the U.S. Senate aimed at low-cost issues in the ongoing energy debate. In additional to setting national goals for slashing gasoline use and helping support the development of lightweight materials for high-efficiency vehicles, the bill would allocate $10 million to a research program to replace incandescent light bulbs. Eventually, the federal government would require use of energy-efficient bulbs in its buildings.

As lawmakers debate the details, the thinking is clear: Reduce energy costs by reducing demand. Improve energy efficiency on the highway, in the workplace and in the household. Small changes will make a difference.

Take lighting, for example. Would you like to save $30 or more in energy costs over the lifetime of a single light bulb? Then check out compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), available everywhere light bulbs are sold. According to the Department of Energy, a CFL that meets the government’s Energy Star standards for efficiency uses at least two-thirds less energy than a standard incandescent bulb, will last 10 times longer and generates 70 percent less heat.

The CFL (and other emerging lighting technology) is the wave of the near future. Australia wants to phase out incandescent bulbs by 2010, and California and Canada have decided to outlaw them by 2012. The European Union wants to ban production of incandescent bulbs.

CFLs cost a few dollars more to buy, but they quickly pay for themselves in energy savings. This one’s a no-brainer, so pick up a pack this weekend.

Ask your local electric power association for more energy-saving ideas. We’re the home folks, and we want to help you get more for your energy dollars.

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Electric Power Associations of Mississippi
P.O. Box 3300 Ridgeland, Mississippi 39158-3300 phone 601.605.8600 fax 601.605.8601