GARLAND, Texas, October 2, 2005 - Garland Power & Light (GP&L) is celebrating Public Power Week, October 2-8, along with more than 2,000 other community-owned electric utilities that collectively provide electricity on a not-for-profit basis to 43 million Americans. As part of this celebration of local ownership and control of vital infrastructure and energy services, GP&L is encouraging consumers to use energy efficiently.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that nationwide, the average family spends close to $1,300 each year on electricity, with nearly 45 percent of these energy expenses going toward heating and cooling. Unfortunately, much of this electricity is wasted through inefficient use. With cool weather coming around the corner, GP&L offers these tips to help community members use less electricity to lower monthly bills and protect the environment.
- Keep draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your room. Close the draperies at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
- Keep the temperature fairly constant, as frequent changes will use more energy. Setting back the temperature at night, however, is recommended.
- Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month.
More tips are available on this web site by viewing Energy Saving Tips. And, be sure to check out The DOE’s website at www.doe.gov for additional helpful information.
"Our goal is to provide the best service for our customers and we believe that to be safe, reliable electricity at a low cost. We want to educate customers about how they can help control their bills and do their part to protect the environment,” said Art Martinez, Assistant Director of Electric Utilities.
GP&L also offers free home and business energy audits that can help customers identify ways of being more energy efficient.
Public Power Week is being held in conjunction with the American Public Power Association (APPA) in Washington, D.C., the national service organization for not-for-profit community- and state-owned electric utilities.
