February 2014 Message from the Executive Director: Saving on Utility Bills

February 4, 2014

A note from the Director-

Dear Nexus Supporters,

My hands are still cold from the polar vortex that landed on us in January, how about you? But, as a participant in our AlabamaWISE program, my house is performing with 30% lower utility bills since January 2011, and thank heavens because this winter has been so cold, a comfortable house for my family is very important. I’ve spoken to many homeowners around Alabama and they are all feeling the pinch of high utility bills from hard-working heaters. Like Chris in Fve-Points said, “I can’t keep my trailer warm, and my bills are still $350+, what can I do?”

As you investigate your power consumption, consider the mission we at Nexus live by: to promote energy 1) education, 2) conservation, 3) efficiency and 4) renewables, in that order. So I advise Chris and all others paying high utility bills this cold winter to take the following steps:

1)    Go to www.alabamawise.org to learn more about your home and why it consumes the power it does – Now you’re educated

2)    Change your behavior, close windows and doors, wear winter clothing indoors, turn off unneeded appliances and lights, unplug where possible, use your programmable thermostat so your heater is on when you’re home – Now you’re showing energy conservation

3)    Install retrofits in your house, and take advantage of the AlabamaWISE program, to maximize the heat your producing, i.e., add attic insulation, upgrade your heater/AC, install energy star windows, air seal your home – Now you’re being energy efficient

4)    Consider going the extra mile by installing renewables to offset the power you purchase. Photovoltaic panels (solar panels) and wind turbines are examples of power-Eproducing technologies, you may even qualify for utility incentives and federal tax credits – Now you’re a producer of renewable energy

So you see, with some simple steps you can begin Saving Money by Saving Energy. Nexus Energy is always here to help you on your smart-energy journey.