Customer Newsletter, January 2009

  • Energy Wise Tip: Apogee Calculator...Go Online for Energy Savings!
    • Energy costs are rising. And, like a covey of quail exploding from cover, well intentioned advice and suggestions on things you can do to save money or be more energy efficient are seemingly everywhere all at once. Wouldn't it be good if all that advice were in one place? Somewhere you could sort through and make sense of the mountain of information?

    Furthermore, do you ever wonder how many of these energy-saving suggestions might apply to you and your particular situation? Do you wonder how much energy (and money) YOU could save by changing your thermostat setting or adding storm windows?

    Now you can find out with just as few clicks of your computer mouse. Give your hand a try at the new HomeEnergy Calculator available to you 24/7. It's easy to use. The online calculator's quick, one-screen form asks about a dozen questions. Simply click to indicate your home's approximate square footage, age, number of occupants, heating system's fuel type, and several other variables. Then hit "Calculate" to get an estimate of the monthly and annual energy use and costs for your "base house."

    Now the fun begins. What energy efficiency changes would you like to consider? Learn how some of the more popular strategies to make your home energy efficient, like those below, can save you money:
    • Programmable thermostats
    • Heat pumps
    • Insulation
    • Weather stripping
    • Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
    • Storm windows
    • Others
    By clicking on the various options you can determine the annual energy and cost savings each measure can have on your home, based on your specific rates and local weather. Once you have a feel for your home's energy costs and what various changes might save, it's time to take a big-picture look at overall home energy usage. Click the "Chart" button and you'll see a pie chart with the percentage breakdown of total annual energy use by appliance or system type.

    Another popular feature of this online energy saving helper is the site's extensive library. Over 30,000 pieces of information are located within the library to help explain all the things you ever wondered about - with regards to technologies, best practices or how to make your home more energy efficient.

    So, there you have it. Try this online tool next time you surf the Internet. Remember, it's available 24/7, and is just one more way Southern Power District and NPPD are working to help you manage home energy costs. For more information on steps homeowners can take to improve the efficiency of their homes, contact Southern Power District, or visit the ENERGY STAR® Home Advisor. Other stories you'll find inside this edition:
    • Board Reviews Rate Study Results, Adjusts Rates for 2009
      • In December, Southern Power District's Board of Directors reviewed a rate study which examined the implementation of an 11-percent rate increase to be put into effect on January 1, 2009. More>>>
    • Electric Heat Incentives
      • Southern offers an incentive program to customers who convert their existing, fossil fueled heating and cooling system with an energy efficient, ENERGY STAR qualified air source or ground source heat pump. More>>>
    • Federal Tax Credits Available for Energy Efficiency
      • In October 2008, President George W. Bush signed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which extended tax credits for energy efficient home improvements. More>>>
    • Southern Seeks Scholarship Applicants
      • If you know a recent high school graduate, or a student who will graduate from high school in 2009, now is the time to start thinking about Southern Power District’s Utility Line Scholarship Program. More>>>
    • Recipe Box
      • Easy Ground Beef & Pasta Casserole Enjoy!>>>