Customer Newsletter, September 2010

Planting Savings

You've upgraded your appliances, insulation, and lighting to help lower your monthly electric bill. What else can you do? Plenty, if you have a yard with landscaping options. The right combination of plants and trees can unearth hidden energy savings.

Climate determines the direction your landscaping planning should take. The United States is divided into four different types of regions: temperate, hot arid, hot-humid, and cool.

Since we live in the temperate band of the Midwest, we should maximize the warmth of winter sun. Likewise, summer shade should be utilized. Winter winds should be deflected from buildings, while summer breezes need to be brought toward a home.

There is much you can learn about using trees and landscaping to your benefit in saving energy. Find out more about climate, microclimates, shading dos and don'ts, and windbreaks at www.energysavers.gov. To learn more ways to save energy around your home, visit www.TogetherweSave.com.

Other stories you'll find inside this edition:
  • Trimming Future Problems
    • We all enjoy the beauty trees add to our region, especially during the upcoming fall season. But, we also enjoy the comfort of knowing power will be available when we need it. More>>>
  • EnergyWise Tip: Weatherize Your Home and Use Less Energy
    • Properly sealing and insulating your home is a cost-effective way to become more energy efficient. More>>>
  • Around the District
    • Highlights of various projects our linemen have been working on this summer. More>>>
  • Generlink Transfer Switch
    • If you would like to use a generator to get through the inconvenience of a storm0related outage, we have a new program for you to consider. More>>>
  • Recipe Box: Zucchini Brownies
    • Big thanks to Sandra Warford for providing this recipe! More>>>