Despite the criticism, the Florida Public Service Commission appropriately determined that existing energy conservation goals should be reduced because they were not cost effective for all customers.
Those who cannot afford the up-front investment, or choose not to participate in utility-sponsored programs, should not bear financial support for those who do. However, the action by the PSC does not alleviate it from continuing to take a leadership role in working with stakeholder organizations to create cost-effective conservation programs that benefit all consumers.
And, consumers also should continue to do their part in conserving energy to reduce their energy bills outside of the purview of the PSC.
As chairman of the Energy Equity Alliance, an organization that represents low-income, fixed-income and energy consumers of color on issues related to equity and energy affordability, we also advocate for cost-effective clean energy conservation programs.
Our attention as consumers should be geared toward conservation whether there are goals in place or not. We should now focus on the following noncontroversial small steps to ensure all Floridians save money by improving energy efficiency while advancing our conservation efforts:
Unplug Unused Electronics and Appliances: Appliances use energy when they’re turned off. These “energy vampires” use electricity all day and can cost consumers more than $100 in unused electricity each year. To avoid these costs, unplug these devices when they are not being used. Duke Energy’s Energy Slayer Calculator, is a great tool to use to pinpoint the culprits.
Embrace Smart Switch Technology: Leaving the lights on is costly. Fortunately, smart switches are available to help save money. These devices act like motion sensors and automatically turn lights on and off when you enter or leave a room. Many can be used inside and outside and can be controlled remotely by wireless connections. These tools can generate great savings.
Perform Regular HVAC Maintenance: Over half of a household’s energy bill comes from heating and cooling, so keeping HVAC units clean and clear of debris can save money. Clean the filters regularly, and make sure the unit is not covered by shrubbery. Failure to do so hinders performance and increases the amount of electricity needed to perform. Outside AC units also should be placed in the shade if possible because direct sunlight causes them to use 10 percent more electricity.
Clean the Coils of Your Refrigerator: Cleaning the inside of the fridge is routine, but cleaning the coils on the bottom or in the back is typically not. Doing so at least once or twice a year, though, can save money and improve efficiency by 30 percent to 50 percent. This is important because refrigerators tend to use the most energy of any appliance in the kitchen.
When it comes to making sustainable energy-related choices, these are just a few of the many simple things Floridians can do to lower energy use and costs. Following through can lead to significant savings and make all energy consumers conservationists.
Joe Gibbons is chairman of the Energy Equity Alliance (energyequityalliance.<cci:code_dp class=”macro” displayname=”code_dp” name=”code_dp”/>org) and a former member of the Florida House of Representatives.
