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Tips to Stay Warm and Save Energy

Woman sitting on a couch, reading a tablet, with a large dog lying beside her on a black and white checkered blanket.

Q: My winter energy bills are typically higher. Can you offer advice on how to lower bills during colder months?. A: Cold weather can increase energy use and bills since heating accounts for the highest wintertime energy consumption in most homes. The amount of energy used to heat your home depends on your equipment, how […]

Choosing the Right Air Purifier

A modern air purifier with a digital display reading "035" is placed on a wooden floor near a green plant and a wooden cabinet.

Room air cleaners are effective along with a central unit Dear Jim: For my son’s allergies, I should also use a room air purifier even though we already have a heat pump filter. What are the features and ratings to compare when selecting one? — Sandy R. Dear Sandy: Selecting a room air purifier can […]

Beat the Peak and Create a Better Grid

Finger pressing the eco mode button on a dishwasher control panel, with the appliance door slightly open and some dishes visible inside.

Q: What does “peak energy time” mean, and why should I use less energy at home? A: “Beat the peak” has become a common message as the demand for electricity grows year after year. Your electric co-op must deliver around-the-clock electricity to power your life. To understand why it is important for everyone to use […]

Consumer Guide to Stovetops

A frying pan with pieces of food being cooked on an electric stove, with one burner glowing red and a wooden spoon placed inside the pan.

Q: I’m considering a new stovetop. Can you explain the different options available? A: I have found that most people who enjoy cooking have pretty strong opinions about their preferred fuel choice: gas or electric. Induction is growing in popularity as a newer option for home stovetops. According to a study completed by Electric Power […]

Energy Efficient Windows

A person applies sealant to a window frame inside a room with a lamp and barred window.

Q:  My windows are old and drafty, and I’m thinking about replacing them. What should I consider? A: Drafty windows will affect your home’s energy efficiency. Replacing or performing thorough and regular maintenance can help. Start by identifying the type of windows you have — are they single pane or double pane? Looking closely at […]

What is “Agrivoltaics?”

Person smiling and holding a bin of harvested tomatoes while standing between rows of solar panels and plants on a farm.

Maximizing Land Use to Harvest Both Food and Electricity Doing double-duty, layering benefits, or providing twofold results — whichever it is called — taking advantage of two positive uses on one valuable piece of land makes logical and financial sense.  That is a main purpose of agrivoltaics, or the simultaneous use of land to produce […]

Teach Your Children Well

Woman bending to talk to a toddler in a kitchen with wooden cabinets and a stainless steel refrigerator.

  By Miranda Boutelle Q: I’m making an effort to reduce my energy use, and I want my kids to start energy-saving habits as well. How can I encourage them to use less electricity at home?  A: Educating kids on energy use and costs can help engage them in your family’s goal to use less […]

Efficiency Tips for Residential Well Pumps

A vintage hand water pump with a curved handle fills a metal bucket with water. The pump is situated on a cobblestone path surrounded by greenery.

By Miranda Boutelle Q: I get my water supply from my own well. How can I use less electricity with my well? A: The energy a residential well system uses depends on the equipment and water use. The homeowner is responsible for maintaining the well, ensuring drinking water is safe and paying for the electricity […]

Greenhouse Gas Removal Terminology

Aerial view of a large industrial power plant with tall smokestacks, surrounded by vast green fields and roads.

By Paul Wesslund What if instead of letting greenhouse gases escape from power plants, you could grab that carbon dioxide before it even reaches the atmosphere? It’s a simple idea that’s getting a lot more attention as concerns grow over the effects of burning fossil fuels that power many industries and generate a large share […]

Longevity of EV Batteries

Person plugging an electric vehicle into a charging station at sunrise, with trees and a house in the background.

Many electric vehicle owners wonder about the longevity of EV batteries in their cars. And we’re not just talking about range. The lithium-ion batteries that run EVs can make up 50%-70% of an EV’s value — and if the battery dies, so does the car. While lithium-ion batteries have been studied a lot over the […]