Customer Newsletter, October 2008

Change the World...Start with Energy Star! Southern Power District has once again joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR campaign to encourage measures that reduce energy use in homes.

Southern is among millions of Americans who believe that individual actions can make a big difference in reducing energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions. This month, we urge you to take the ENERGY STAR Pledge by visiting www.energystar.gov. The website also provides you with an opportunity to share your energy-saving stories to inspire others to make energy-efficient changes.

The ENERGY STAR Pledge at energystar.gov/changetheworld encourages Americans to:
  • Change light bulbs to those that have earned the ENERGY STAR,
  • Use a programmable thermostat to save energy while asleep or away from home,
  • Enable power management settings on computers and monitors so they go into "sleep mode" when away or not in use,
  • Make their next purchase an ENERGY STAR qualified product, such as home electronics, office products, and/or appliances,
  • Make sure their homes are well sealed and insulated,
  • And more!

If every American household took the actions in the pledge, we would save more than 110 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, more than $18 billion in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to more than 18 million cars.

"Becoming part of the solution to global warming takes less time and effort than you might think. You can start by taking simple steps like changing a light or looking for the ENERGY STAR when you purchase new products," says Kathleen Hogan, Director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division at EPA. "We are delighted to work with people across the country who are helping in the fight against global warming. Together we can make a difference!


Here are the stories you'll find inside this edition:
  • October is Built Around CFLs
    • The CFL--compact fluorescent light bulb--is an energy efficient product that can replace many, but not all, situations where a standard incandescent bulb has been used in the past. More>>>
  • Southern's Board Authorizes Bond Sale to Finance BANs, Future Growth
    • At their September meeting, Southern's Board of Directors approved a resolution for the sale of $40 million ion tax-exempt bonds. More>>>
  • Now's the Time to Make Your Voice Heard
    • Next month, America will take to the polls to choose the next President of the United States, members of Congress, and in many cases state legislators and local officials. More>>>
  • Safety On Display at Husker Harvest Days
    • Linemen from Southern conducted hotline demonstrations at the "Public Power for Nebraska" booth on the third day of Husker Harvest Days. More>>>
  • Switch & Save Campaign Is Underway
    • For the second year in a row, Nebraska Public Power District and its wholesale customer utilities--including Southern Power District--will kick off a campaign on October 1st to encourage energy efficiency achieved through the installation of compact fluorescent lamps. More>>>