Have you stated an "Energy Strategy?"

[Koodauw]

in all actually I don't know if all your cost cutting measures really effect much. From what I remember... Electric companies charge you based on peak hour usage, that is they need so much energy during 4-9pm, and if they cant supply all of it, then they have to buy extra off the grid. (this is wear the screwing usually comes in.) They then average out your costs over a period.

I know my details are pretty spotty here as I can't remember the exact facts, however, I do remember that unplugging small electronics etc, dont have that much of an impact, its things like AC, Heaters, large appliances, operating during peak hours that effect what you are charged.

Hopefully someone else can back me up with more facts.

 

[iTwitch]

Can any of the more scientific-minded members enlighten me on the feasability of a plan that I have for this summer?

I was thinking of installing Solar Shields in all the windows. Basically, cardboard wrapped in aluminum foil on one side. Foil out in the summer to block heat, in in the winter to retain heat. Can this work - and will it be cost effective (nevermind the problem of getting the proposal through the wife subcommittee)?

It will help in the summer, how much depends on your windows?

In the winter it would probably be more efficient to let the sun in and heat the place up.

If you have leaky windows 3M makes a neat product. You basically run a strip of double side tape around you window, then you attach a big sheet of plastic. Finally, a blow dryer is used to shink the plastic. You end up with an air tight wrinkle free window. I used it with my old windows and it lowered my electric bill and made it much more comfortable.

BTW, in the summer I always close the mini blinds when the sun is shining in and it does help. I also picked up a couple of rolls of that green plastic used in Easter baskets and if we have a scourcher I plan on using it for additional light reduction.

 

[Timepass]

Yeah, it's 75%, but it's almost the same hit as doubling it.

We can opt in to the slow increase - I have to look at it.

Yeah, it's effed. Fair profits are fine with me, but gouging is another.

the question comes is how much of that increase is related to deregulation and how much of it is related to increase fuel cost and how much would the of cost gone up with out deregulation.

It could be cheaper than what it would of been with out. that or now the consumer is bearing the direct cost. Because I know in some of the regulated areas power companies where losing a ton of money because it costed them more to make the power than they where getting for selling it. Deregulated and now they can pass those cost on.


As for saving money on engery cost the biggest differnce is going to be from Heating and cooling your house. Raise the tempture of the AC a few degree and that will save a huge amount of money.

Dont turn off the system while you are gone because you pay more later cooling it back off. Just raise the tempture. My room mate and I have the house set to 85 while we are gone the next few weeks. Mostly to protect a lot of our stuff from the heat. But even at 85 it not turning on much right now.

As for car drive something more fuel effect and change your driving habits. For me cutting cost fuel while means I buying a new bike this summer and biking the 2 miles to school instead of driving. That save me about $0.75 a day.

As for computers a big one is turn off your monitors when not in use if you dont want to shut down. I dont shut down my computer at night because it when I do my maintaince and other things. the monitor turning off is a big one. I dont want to use flouraince lights because it bothers my eyes so for most rooms in the house I pay the extra cost.