Save Some Green This Halloween

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays.  Dressing up in crazy outfits, eating candy until my stomach hurt, what could be better?  I was always that random kid in an obscure costume that none of the other kids understood.  Didn’t any other 5th graders watch “I Love Lucy”?

Anyways!  I was just thinking about my very first Halloween in the Energy Conservation Department.  I thought I had the best costume idea ever- wait for it- an energy vampire!  I know…sweet idea.

As you may recall from our recent quiz, standby power - electricity used by appliances when “off” but not unplugged - accounts for up to 10% of residential energy use.

An energy vampire is just another name for standby power.  Basically, many of your electronics/appliances are “sucking up” energy even when they’re in off mode.  Knowing what to look for and getting in the habit of unplugging these electronics/appliances is the first step to taking control of your energy bill.  Show that energy vampire who’s boss!

So how does one identify an energy vampire?  In the “off” mode, is there still a glowing light of some sort and/or is it warm?  Take your TV for example.  You turn it off but it still has a red glowing light down by the power button.  Guess what folks - that means it’s still using energy.

To completely cut off the power flow, simply unplug your TV, or plug it into a power strip and flip the switch when you’re done.  Repeat this process with other energy vampires found in your home.

And now you know how to slay an energy vampire without a stake or sunlight.  Happy Halloween! 

Quiz Answers

1. C - 40%
2. A - 68 degrees
3. D - 20%
4. True
5. D - 20 gallons
6. D - 120 degrees
7. True
8. C - monthly
9. False
10. A - 10%

Fueled on Electricity - Electric Vehicles on a Street Near You

Today’s post is brought to you by one of our former bloggers, Alison.  She’s been working on a neat project closely tied to EV’s, read below to get the scoop…

A new evolution of vehicles is a reality – the electric vehicle (EV).  You may have chuckled at new TV commercials, seen them on the road in your neighborhood, or perhaps participated in National Plug-In Day last weekend.

At Dominion, we have an interest in helping our EV owners make the best decisions possible when it comes to charging their vehicle.  That is why we have recently announced a new pilot program that offers EV owners the option to sign up for a pricing plan that encourages night-time charging. 

Virginia has a relatively large amount of first-generation hybrid vehicles, therefore we believe that Virginia could be one of the hottest markets for plug-in electric vehicles.  By 2020 there could be 86,000 EVs in Virginia – equal to 5% of all vehicle sales.

That is pretty exciting news, however what would happen if all those EV’s came home after work and plugged in to “re-fuel” while it was on-peak?  The new electric load from EVs could increase the amount of peak-demand electricity by about 270 megawatts, equivalent of powering 67,500 homes.   

As part of the new EV PricingPlans, customers can manage energy costs based on when they charge their EV.  Pricing changes throughout the day and the price is as low as $0.05 per kWh for night time charging under either of the two new plans.

That means a nightly EV charge cost is between $0.51 and $0.54.  Compare that to the standard residential rate of an anytime charge cost of $1.10.   It should be known that the pricing is higher during on-peak times.  We’ve developed an EVPricing Plan Calculator to help see pricing differences and decide which plan is best for you.   

Learn more by visiting our website. 

Thanks everyone.

Alison

Let’s Test Your Skills!

Take the energy conservation quiz below to test your knowledge.  Answers will be posted next week!

1)    On average, what percentage of your bill goes to heating/cooling your home?
a.    20%
b.    75%
c.    40%
d.    50%

2)    What temperature should you set your thermostat at during the winter for maximum efficiency?
a.    68°
b.    78°
c.    80°
d.    72°

3)    What percentage of homes built before 1980 are considered well insulated?
a.    80%
b.    5%
c.    45%
d.    20%

4)    True or False: Landscaping can impact your bill.

5)    The average person uses _________ of water when taking a shower.
a.    2 gallons
b.    10 gallons
c.    45 gallons
d.    20 gallons

6)    The proper temperature for your hot water heater (for maximum efficiency) is____.
a.    140°
b.    170°
c.    110°
d.    120°

7)    True or False: The distance between your shower and your hot water heater can impact your bill.

8)    How often should you replace your furnace/air conditioning filter?
a.    Every 6 months
b.    Annually
c.    Monthly
d.    Every 2 weeks

9)    True or false: On average, baths use less water than showers.

10)    On average, standby power- electricity used by appliances when “off” but not unplugged - is about _____% of residential electricity use.
a.    10%
b.    5%
c.    2%
d.    15%

Energy Star® Sales Tax Holiday Weekend

I don’t know about you, but I’m still wondering where summer went.  I was still wearing shorts and flip-flops until a week or so ago, and then bam! With a little nip in the air, Fall is definitely here…and as we all know, it will only get colder.

In addition to finding your winter coat, now is the time to prepare your home for what may be a very cold winter…at a reduced cost.

October is known around here as “Energy Awareness Month” and this weekend marks the annual sales tax holiday weekend on Energy Star and WaterSense products.

Beginning Friday, October 7, 2011 through Monday, October 10, 2011, purchases of certain Energy Star® and WaterSense qualified products will be exempt from sales tax.  The exempt item must be for non-commercial use and cost $2,500 or less.

Eligible Energy Star® items include dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, air conditioners, ceiling fans, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and programmable thermostats that carry the Energy Star® designation.

WaterSense products eligible for exemption include bathroom sink faucets, faucet accessories, and toilets.

Additional information for the sales tax holiday.