Welcome to Flex Savings Option

The Real Power Gobblers

Heating and cooling your home eat up more energy than just about any other system. Add in an electric vehicle, and you've got the trifecta of high power users. Fortunately, some simple changes can make a big difference.

Heating and cooling

By simply adjusting your thermostat a few degrees during on-peak times you can realize significant savings. As little as 3 degrees up or down, depending on the season, will make a difference. Programmable, smart thermostats can help ensure you keep those adjustments consistently in place.

Electric vehicle charging

Don’t spend all the money you save on gasoline paying higher electric bills. If you have an EV with a Level 2 charger, be sure to charge during the discount period to maximize savings.

Add to your savings – timing is everything

Doing everyday tasks at different times is what puts the "flex" in Flex Savings Option. These days, we can program most of our appliances to run when we want them to and shifting their use to off-peak or discount hours can save a bundle.

Water heaters

Electric water heaters can be a steady energy draw, as the heating elements work to maintain the desired water temperature. By installing a timer, you can reduce energy consumption by giving the water heater a break during low water-use hours. Also, while many water heaters are set to 140 degrees, lowering the setting to 120 will keep the water plenty hot while using less energy. You can also reduce your water-related energy use by installing low-flow showerheads and kitchen and bath faucet aerators.

Appliances

Clothes washers, dryers and dishwashers really don’t care when you run them, so do it when energy is at its cheapest! Wash clothes in cold water, using a high spin cycle. Run the dishwasher only when it's full. Programming your appliances or just planning to run them during off-peak and discount hours will make a noticeable difference in your energy bill.

Even the little things mean a lot

Changing the way you use power-hungry appliances to save energy and money is kind of a no-brainer. But if you want to add in additional savings, work in changes to the way you use less energy intensive items as well.

Lighting

We've always been told to turn off lights when we leave a room, and now we can use motion detectors in the home to only activate lights when they are needed. But, the kind of lighting you use also makes a difference. Switching from old incandescent or fluorescent bulbs to modern LEDs has an immediate impact thanks to higher efficiency AND a lasting impact from their longer lifespan.

Electronics

We are living in a digital world and whether we’re at home or work we’re usually surrounded by electronic devices that sneakily drive up your power bill even when they’re not in use. Smart plugs and power strips are a great way to protect your electronics, and they also make it easy to completely cut them off from power when you’re not using them. Without these steps, your TVs, routers, computers, audio systems and more will silently continue to drive up your bill just by being plugged in.

Pool pumps

In-ground, above ground and even some larger splash or wading pools have recirculating pumps that keep your water clean. And yes, they use a ton of electricity, so set them up to run over night during discount hours. Same for pool heaters. Unless you’re planning a dip in the dead of winter (in which case, you’re probably not worried about the energy bill) give all your pool electronic systems a break during the day and let them do their work when electricity is least expensive.