ENERGY CONSERVATION

Energy Conservation Period

The SMLD has a list of individuals in town who volunteer to participate in one of the many ways that we strive to keep the cost of energy down.  

When temperatures soar, the SMLD office calls a list of individuals to ask them to turn off as much non-essential energy being used in their building as possible. By shutting off lights, air conditioners, office equipment and other energy consuming products these businesses help the SMLD to shed peak load and thus control power cost in the long run.

We make all of our customers aware of the Energy Conservation Period by turning on the orange light over our office door at 50 Main Street. When you see the orange light on, please take the time and turn off all non-essential energy in your home. 

The combined effort of everyone in Sterling will help to keep the cost of energy down.

DURING TIMES LIKE THESE, ENERGY CONSERVATION IS THE KEY

As you know, the SMLD had to make a few changes to three of our rate structures this past winter.  We held off for as long as we could, but the industry and the prices that we buy electricity at have mandated these changes.  For the most part, Sterling residents and businesses still have very low rates, few additional charges on their bills and have the opportunity for an early payment discount every month (and when financially possible, a much larger discount around the year-end holiday).

The SMLD understands that increases are tough, especially at a time when many other products and services are experiencing large increases.  So, we would like to steer you in the right direction.  You can take it into your own hands to try to achieve a lower electric bill.  First, look into your water heating, refrigeration, kitchen and laundry, lighting, and air conditioning systems.  Where can you conserve, maintain systems/appliances, ensure proper insulation/weatherization, or use energy saving products?

Remember, a 60-Watt light bulb left on for 24 hours costs roughly fifteen cents a day.  Over a month, that is about $5.00.  If you take a close look at all of the items that you have on in your home and cut back on a few of them, then you could save a good deal of money.  Computers, extra refrigerators, unnecessary lights, spare TVs, chargers for cell phones, space heaters, dehumidifiers, etc. may all be areas of savings.

Second, take advantage our program called HELPS (Home Energy Loss Prevention Service), which is a part of HomEnergy, a statewide service.  HELPS offers a toll-free hotline (1-888-333-7525) for energy conservation questions.  They also offer a free home energy audit that will inform you how to implement energy conservation projects in your home.  Call HELPS toll-free 1-888-333-7525 to find out more.

And lastly, keep open communications with our staff.  Arm yourself with this knowledge and you can make a difference!  Remember, savings are only a switch away!