Tips to Help You Save While Working from Home

A lightbulb next to a jar full of change, sitting outsideAs American families and businesses transition to working remotely, they may see a surge in home energy use—and in upcoming electric bills. Simple money-saving steps can help lower monthly bills without jeopardizing safety or comfort.

“America’s electric cooperatives understand the increased financial hardships facing families and businesses due to the economic impact of COVID-19,” says National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson. “While many electric cooperatives have suspended disconnections for nonpayment and are waiving late fees, consumers will still be responsible for those bills when the pandemic has passed. It’s important for families to be mindful of their energy use and consider adjusting certain habits to avoid higher costs later on.”

Recommended energy-saving tips include:

  • Program your thermostat to maximize energy savings. Setting your thermostat 1 degree lower when heating or 1 degree higher when cooling can reduce energy use by up to 5%.
  • Do full loads of laundry and wash with cold water. Using warm water instead of hot can cut a load’s energy use in half. Using cold water will save even more.
  • Air-dry dishes. This step can cut your dishwasher’s energy use by up to 50%.
  • Substitute LEDs for conventional lightbulbs. Lighting can amount to up to 12% of monthly energy use. LED bulbs can cut lighting costs by 75%.
  • Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. Small appliances and electronics use energy even when not in use. When powered on, game consoles, televisions and similar electronics are responsible for up to 12% of energy use.

For more information on energy-saving tips, visit Touchstone Energy, the national brand affiliated with NRECA that is dedicated to helping electric cooperatives better engage and serve their members.