• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs).
• Stop heating an empty house.
• Install smart power strips for all home electronics.
• Lower the temperature on your hot water heater.
• Wash laundry in warm or - even better - cold water.
• Your head bolt heater needs just two hours to warm the engine.
• Run the dishwasher only when it's full. But don't overload it.
• Take the temperatures of your refrigerator and freezer. Too cold and they use extra energy.
• Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator.
• Move your refrigerator out from the wall and vacuum condenser coils.
• If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.
  

Chugach Electric is recruiting volunteers for "Watt Buster," a research project to test whether on-site energy monitors help people reduce their energy consumption.

1. Have you been a Chugach residential customer for at least three years?
2. Are you willing to use the monitor as directed and participate in surveys?
3. Will you be living at this home through April?

If you answered yes to all three questions and you want to be part of this research, click here to apply.

Background

Chugach Electric Association has received a research grant from the Alaska Energy Authority to test the effectiveness of building energy monitors to reduce electrical energy consumption.

A building energy monitor is an electronic device that displays and records energy usage. It may also display cost information and recent historical energy usage data. The energy monitor will be in place three to four months.

If you are selected for the study, Chugach will train you how to use the monitor and instruct you in energy efficiency practices. There’s no cost to you and you will gain information that could help you reduce energy consumption and cut your electric bill.

Replacing old appliances can save you money

Energy Efficiency Resources