Power for Progress…A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority Saving energy while celebrating the holidays

The holiday season is in full swing, which means glittering, glowing holiday lights are visible all across the area. Of course, along with more lights comes more electricity usage. However, even with the extra lights and other holiday-related activities requiring more energy use (like baking), it’s still possible to conserve some electricity. Here are some energy saving tips GRDA has shared before, but now is a good time to revisit them. These tips come from energy.gov.  

1. About those holiday lights… Considering plugging your lights and electronics into a power strip and then turn it off during the day or when not in use. Even when not in use, these items can still draw small amounts of unnecessary energy.

2. Consider LED lights in your displays. They are sturdier and can last longer while consuming up to 70 percent less energy.

3. Keep the door closed … Whether it’s the door to the house or to the oven, it applies for the same reason. We can save heat loss and energy by using the oven light, instead of opening the door, to check on the progress of those cookies. The same applies for the door on the house, keep the warmth inside.

4. Let the sun shine in. Even when it’s cold out, a sunny day can help warm your home if you open the curtains. 

5. Here’s a gift idea ... Home Energy Audit. According to energy.gov, “a home energy audit helps you pinpoint where your home is losing energy -- and what you can do to save money.” Upgrades after an energy audit could save you as much as 30 percent on future energy bills in the year ahead. 

Keep these tips in mind and enjoy your holiday season.

GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees, and efficiency. 

# # #