DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As temperatures hit 100 degrees one more time this summer, Oncor reminds consumers that energy efficiency is a year-round effort. Even a quarter inch gap in an exterior door is the equivalent of having a baseball-sized hole in a house where energy dollars can escape, no matter the season. Take action today to make your home or business more energy efficient by participating in Oncor-sponsored energy efficiency programs. In 2008, Oncor introduced an educational campaign called “Take A Load Off, TexasSM” that is designed to raise consumer awareness of energy efficiency and encourage participation in Oncor energy efficiency programs. For a schedule of Oncor’s Take A Load Off, Texas 2008 tour stops, visit www.oncor.com/efficiency. Oncor can help Texans who receive electric service through Oncor power lines, no matter who their retail electric provider is “take a load off” the Texas grid. Oncor offers programs designed for every type of consumer from the large commercial building operator to the homeowner on a fixed income. Since 2002, Oncor has spent $245 million on energy efficiency efforts, touching more than 300,000 consumers and saving 1,284,000 megawatt hours of electricity – enough electricity to run more than 75,000 homes for a year. More than 100 service providers across the state participate in Oncor programs and are paid incentives to achieve real, verifiable energy savings. “Oncor is committed to helping Texas reduce future demand for electricity every year. Our goal in 2008 is a 15 percent reduction. In 2009, the goal goes up to 20 percent. By lowering future demand for electricity, Oncor helps consumers use less energy and reduces the need for new power plants,” said Mike Stockard, Oncor energy efficiency programs director. “Texas is a growing state with expanding energy needs. Our challenge is to ‘take a load off’ the Texas grid today and in the future.” Oncor suggests the following easy, inexpensive ways to save energy: Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter (68 degrees) and comfortably high in the summer (78 degrees). Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle. Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use. Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power). Lower the thermostat on hot water heaters to 120° F. Take short showers instead of baths. Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR® products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
