FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER/CEO Dennis Svanes

Energy efficiency may not be the most exciting topic, but it’s one that matters to all of us — especially when it comes to managing your electric bill. The most effective way to save money on your bill? Simply use less electricity. Every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you don’t use is money saved.

Sometimes I hear folks mention rooftop solar as a form of energy efficiency. While solar can change how your energy is generated, it doesn’t reduce how much you are using. That’s an important distinction. While solar may seem appealing for environmental reasons, from a financial standpoint, it is not the most cost-effective option — especially when you consider long-term investment. When I run the numbers using net present value, buying power from 4 Rivers is still the better deal for members.

So, what can you do to cut down on usage, especially during the hot summer months? Here are a few practical ideas:

• USE FANS WISELY. Ceiling and box fans are great for keeping cool, but remember — they cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when you leave the room.
• ADJUST THE THERMOSTAT. Turning it up just a couple degrees can make a noticeable difference in energy use.
• UPGRADE TO ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES. Look for the Energy Star® label when replacing old appliances. Also, think twice before moving that old fridge to the garage just to keep drinks cold — they can be energy hogs.
• SWITCH TO LED BULBS. They use far less electricity and last much longer. When shopping, check the color temperature listed in Kelvin (K): 2,700 K = warm yellow light (cozy and calming) 3,500 K–4,000 K = natural white (great for kitchens and workspaces) 5,000 K+ = bright daylight (can feel a bit harsh in the wrong space).
• SEAL UP LEAKS. Caulking around windows and adding window treatments — especially on the sunny south and west sides — can ease the load on your air conditioner.

I could keep going with ways to save on your energy bill. Our member services team at 4 Rivers is always happy to talk through ways to help you lower your energy use without sacrificing comfort. Just give us a call.

A QUICK WORD ABOUT SAFETY
In April, our Kansas Country Living article focused on staying safe around electric lines — and the timing couldn’t have been more critical. Within just a few weeks, we had 11 incidents where equipment struck our lines or poles. That’s 11 too many. Please, before you head out to the field or start a big project, take a moment to locate poles, guy wires, and overhead lines. These accidents are not only costly (and billed to the party responsible), but more importantly, they are incredibly dangerous.

Let’s look out for each other — by staying safe and finding smart ways to save energy this summer.

(Originally printed in June's KCL Centerspread)