We all hear about energy efficiency time and time again.  But what does it really mean?

Well, I think it means something different to everybody – which makes it very hard to talk about.

As a electric cooperative, we’ve promoted energy efficiency for years – which sometimes causes heads to turn.  Why would an electric company that is in business to sell electricity want to talk to people about saving energy?

Well, there are actually a couple of reasons.  First of all, we like happy customers (although we like to call them members or owners or member/owners.)  Secondly, there are some  instances when electricity IS the most efficient energy source.  In that case, your electric bill might go up (we obviously like that) but your overall energy bill would go down (you obviously like that.)

A good example of that is a geothermal system.  Geothermal systems are – without a doubt – the most energy efficient way to heat and cool your home.  Even the EPA says so!  If you replace your existing gas (LP or natural gas) furnace with a geothermal system (and with the current 30% tax credit available, now is a great time to do that) your electric bill will go up.  BUT, your overall energy bill (electricity plus gas) will go down.  Plain and simple!

Anyway, we’ll be talking about things like this at some upcoming Energy Wise Home Savings Events (a fancy way to say Energy Efficiency Seminar).  Check our site for more information: http://www.eiec.org/wise_ewhse.html