Happy Independence Day!

While our national, state and local leaders work to develop ideas and policies to make us more energy independent, there are things we can all do to achieve greater personal energy independence.

Summer Heat = More Electricity Use
It is ironic that when Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in June 1776 he had no electricity, used candlelight to write at night, and endured 17 days of unairconditioned summer heat. Wow, times have changed! Electricity – including lighting, air conditioning and home appliances – is used now more than ever, particularly as temperatures in Texas soar above 100. But increased consumption in the summer means increased electric bills.

There are two key ways to lower your electric bill – use less electricity and shop around for the best price for the electricity you do use.

Energy Independence
Use Less, Shop Around
Consumption x Rate = Electric Bill

Electric bills are calculated by multiplying the amount of the electricity you use (measured in kilowatt hours) by the rate you pay per kilowatt hour (in cents). Other than government mandated taxes and fees, consumption and rate are the only two inputs in your electric bill.

In addition to taking simple steps like these to conserve energy, just like you shop around for car insurance, customers in competitive areas of the state can shop around to find the company, prices and products that best fit their electricity needs. Learn more.

Quote of Note:
Thomas Edison unveiled his incandescent bulb in 1879, and since then it has illuminated the world. But it is highly inefficient, generating 90% heat and 10% light. The only thing worse is a candle flame.
Terry McGowan, American Lighting Association