Watch Your Energy Usage

Today is Xcel Energy's first day of the two-tier rate system.  It continues through the end of September.  Your first 500 kilowatt hours are charged one rate.  Then anything above that is charged a rate that is practically double the first.  Now is the time to conserve electricity!!

Here are some ideas to reduce your usage:

• Unplug any unused appliances to avoid "phantom" currents.  Things like the toaster, lamps you rarely use, a cell phone charging that has already reached it's full charge, etc.
• Hold off on the A/C.  Wait as long as possible before you switch on that electricity guzzling machine. 
• Close blinds/curtains when the sun is shining directly in.
• Open windows at night to welcome that cool night air.  (But make sure your a/c is off and that you close the windows during the heat of the day.)
• Run full dishwasher and laundry loads.