January 10th is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day

MILWAUKEE -- January 10th is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, and officials from We Energies and Alliant Energy are encouraging customers to look for ways to reduce energy costs, and save on energy bills.

It's the little things you do that can save big bucks on your energy bill! Tips include turning the lights off whenever you leave a room, and keeping the thermostat low when you're not home, or when you're sleeping. "Making sure that you have that energy-efficient furnace, making sure you have your furnace maintained, and using something like a programmable thermostat so you don't even have to remember to turn it down," Cathy Schulze with We Energies said

Cooking with small appliances and being cautious when you use the dishwasher will also save energy. "When you're washing your dishes, make sure the dishwasher is a full load before you hit wash. Doing partial loads can waste a lot of energy. Also, rinsing off the dishes before you put them in is kind of counter-productive," Schulze said.

Also, it's a good idea to winterize your home! "This is a good time for people to look at their windows. If they haven't done weather-stripping, if they haven't done a caulking project, now is the time to do it, while it is mild out," Schulze said.

When it comes to light bulbs, you'll save in the long run if you make the switch to compact fluorescent, and standard light bulbs are being phased out. "Starting in 2012, there will no longer be 100 watts being made. In 2013, 75 watts will no longer be made. In 2014, 60 watts will no longer be made, and in 2015, 40 watts will no longer be made," Jeff Sterling with Sterling True Value said.

John Larson, President  of Alliant Energy's Wisconsin Power and Light Company explains, "We continue to focus on managing our costs and encourage our customers to participate in energy-saving problems."

Larson offers additional energy usage reduction tips, including scheduling a home performance with ENERGY STAR evaluation. This will allow a consultant to evaluate your home and pinpoint energy waste.

For additional information: Alliant Energy energy-saving tips, We Energies energy-saving tips