Governor John Baldacci announced this week the “Save a Watt, 10% Challenge” a program that asks Mainers to help save electricity this winter.
If every Maine residential and small commercial customer in the Central Maine Power and Bangor Hydro-Electric service territories achieves the 10 percent reduction, the governor said consumers will save $18 million and prevent the release of 83 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
If you use at least 10 percent less electricity this winter as compared to last winter, you may win a $1,000 rebate toward the purchase of an ENERGY STAR appliance.
All Central Maine Power Company and Bangor Hydro-Electric Company residential and small commercial customers are eligible for a rebate. Customers who reduce electricity usage by 10 percent or more in their January, February, or March utility bill as compared to the same month last year are automatically placed in a random drawing for a $1,000 rebate toward ENERGY STAR appliances. Beginning in early January, winners will be drawn weekly through the end of March. During these months, 50 Maine customers will win rebates.
10 tips to ’10 percent’
* Use ENERGY STAR Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) and appliances in your home
* Turn off items like TVs, computers and printers when not in use and lights when you leave the room
* Turn electric water heater temperature down to 120A?°.
* Run dishwasher with full loads and remember newer units don’t require pre-rinsing.
* When washing laundry, run full loads and rinse in cold water.
* When drying laundry, run full loads, always clean the lint filter and air dry whenever possible.
* Keep refrigerator coils clean and make sure the seal on the door fits tightly.
* Unplug seldom or lightly used refrigerators and freezers.
* When practical, cook on stove-top burners instead of in the oven, but if using the oven, do not preheat.
* Unplug power chargers when not in use.
For more information on the Save a Watt 10% Challenge check out www.efficiencymaine.com or call 1-866-376-2463.
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