Rocky Mountain Power: Conserving Energy

But looking back, the consumption of electricity has increased by 26 percent over the last 20 years. By making a few changes around your home, you’ll be able to reduce the amount of electricity being consumed, and save money on your utility bill. And many of these changes offer rebates to save you money upfront and in the long run.

Margaret Oler with Rocky Mountain Power tells you how to do it.


More than 50 percent of the electricity used by a homeowner is used to cool things. This includes your air conditioning and fridge. There are incentives that Rocky Mountain Power has in place to help reduce this electricity use.

– The Cool Keeper Program. Almost 30 percent of a homeowner’s electricity is used on Central Air Conditioning. This program attaches a little device to your cooling system that, on select summer days when electricity demand is high, will turn the compressor on and off to reduce the amount of electricity being used, while allowing your home to remain cool. Here is a list of some of the benefits to the program:


* You will receive a $20 credit to your fall utility bill

* Cool Keeper is only activated during the summer and not on Weekends or Holidays

* Participation in the program is free

– Recycling old fridges. The fridge in a home uses another 22 percent of the electricity, so by getting an energy-efficient fridge, or recycling an old, secondary fridge, you can reduce the amount of electricty used. Rocky Mountain Power will recycle an old fridge, taking care of picking up the fridge and recycling, and provide the homeowner with $30. There may also be rebates on purchasing a new fridge.

– You can sign up for both of these programs by visiting www.rockymountainpower.net.

There are numerous other ways that people can save money on their utility bill, and Rocky Mountain Power has a list of those resources, organized by appliances and lighting, home improvements and heating and cooling.

– More than 20 percent of the electricity generated in the US is used for lighting. By replacing your light fixtures and the light bulbs in them — with ENERGY STAR units — the average homeowner can save about $20 per year on their energy bill.

– Windows are another area that a home loses heated or cooled air. There have been numerous advances in technology and window development that will help reduce the amount of heating or cooling that escapes from the home.

– If anyone is thinking about installing a new cooling or heating system, there are rebates that will save the homeowner money upfront, but will also help save money on subsequent utility bills.

– To find a complete listing of all the possible rebates available, visit www.homeenergysavings.net and click on Utah.

Rocky Mountain Power encourages everyone to attend the Utah Green Festival this Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm in West Jordan. There are going to be many organizations there to help Utah establish healthy and sustainable living. Come learn about mass transit, hybrid cars, solar panels for your home or business, gardening adn have fun with the whole family.

Saturday, September 6

Utah Green Festival

Healthy and Sustainable Living for Uah

8215 South 1300 West

West Jordan, Utah

Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint


Come for a free, fun and educational event. Learn about numerous resources for establishing a healthy and sustainable lifestyle . There will be experts, vendors and classes throughout the day, including enetertainment, food, activities for kids and a climbing wall. Admission is free and door prizes will be given away throughout the day. For additional information visit www.ConservationGardenPark.org

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