Consolidated puts powerful energy-and-cost-saving solutions into the hands of those we care about most—our members. But the only way to benefit from these tools is to learn and use them. That’s why your co-op has launched the Know Your Power! Campaign.

We want you to have the most useful, up-to-date account information in order to make informed choices about your electricity usage and energy efficiency. With the effects of COVID-19, it is even more important for you to track your usage. Residential electricity consumption will likely increase as many spend more time at home.

Knowledge is power, and knowledge about your power usage saves money. For example, did you know you can view and track your usage through your Smarthub account, as well as set a budget and find ways to save energy?

We recommend you start with SmartHub™, your core energy-saving tool. Use it online, or better yet download the SmartHub app from your app store. With SmartHub:

  • View your energy usage and billing
  • Manage your payments
  • Notify Consolidated’s member services team of account and service issues
  • Receive particular messages from your co-op.

While SmartHub is a great place to start, other Consolidated tools provide additional insights to help you make efficient and effective choices—and further Know Your Power! These include energy calculators, and the power of community as we join with other co-ops around the country in energy-saving initiatives. On a local level, our trusted Energy Advisor, Roger Keller, is always available to talk with and advise members.

Your co-op does more than deliver your power. We help you manage it so that it makes sense for your household.  

Consolidated. We light up your life—your way.

 

Heating:
  • Check furnace filters every month and replace them when they’re dirty. Dirty filters make your unit work harder and less efficiently, wearing it out before its time.
  • Install a programmable thermostat so you can lower the heat and raise the air-conditioning when no one is home.
  • In the winter, set your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night.
  • Time to replace your furnace? Select a high-efficiency furnace or a heat pump. You could also look into installing a geothermal unit. While geothermal systems usually cost more up front, they save energy and money in the long run. Check our rebates page for incentives before you buy.
Air Conditioning:
  • Ceiling fans can move air and allow you to set your thermostat higher during warm weather. Just remember that fans cool people, not rooms, so the last person out should remember to shut it off.
  • Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher – make use of those ceiling fans to help bear the heat.
Water Heating:
  • Repair leaky faucets as soon as they start to drip.
  • Set your water heater to 140 degrees if you have a dishwasher, or 120 degrees if you don’t.
  • Install low-flow shower heads, which reduces the amount of water your tank needs to heat.
Appliances:
  • Check for the energy efficiency rating when buying a new appliance – the higher the better. If it doesn’t have an official rating, look for the yellow tag that tells you how much it might cost to operate the appliance for one year. Learn more about energy efficiency ratings for various appliances at Energy.gov.
  • Remind the kids (…and yourself) to keep refrigerator and freezer doors shut – no lingering in front of the fridge to debate on a snack choice.
  • Have an old refrigerator? Maybe it’s time for a new one. Old refrigerators can use up to twice the amount of energy as a modern one.
Lighting:
  • Replace your regular lightbulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. These last up to ten times longer.
  • Always turn off lights that aren’t being used.
Outdoors:
  • Use motion sensor and photocell lighting outdoors so you don’t have to remember to turn lights off when you head inside.
  • Install awnings and shades on windows facing the south and west to block the sun in the summer. Remember to remove them in the winter to let the heat in.
  • Plant shade trees strategically to avoid the sun’s hot glare – just remember to never plant under electric lines. Visit the Arbor Day Foundation’s “right tree, right place” page to learn which varieties to plant for the best use in the best place on your property.
Windows:
  • Close insulated drapes during the day in the summer to keep out the heat. In the winter, close them at night to keep the heat in.
  • Replacing your windows? Look for energy-efficient ones with double panes.
Weatherproofing:
  • Use weather stripping around all windows and doors to stop drafts from coming in or going out.
  • Inspect caulking around windows for any cracks or open spots and re-caulk as needed.
Cooking:
  • To keep your house from getting too hot during cooking:
    • Plan your meals so that you’re cooking several dishes in the oven at once, rather than just one item.
    • Use a grill outdoors or a microwave indoors to cut down on oven heat – you’d be surprised what you can cook on a grill or in the microwave!
Laundry:
  • Wash only full loads of laundry.
  • Use cold water for all but the dirtiest loads.
  • Air dry or line dry clothes whenever possible.
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