It's pretty obvious that to reduce energy costs in the home you turn your lights off when not in use. Some other energy saving tips from Belco include:

AROUND THE HOUSE

Use compact fluorescent light bulbs as they are more economical than incandescent bulbs, user less energy and last ten to 15 times longer.

Install dimmers for lighting control. Install task lights over workbenches and desks to eliminate the need for lighting an entire room.

Open drapes on south-facing windows during winter daylight hours to get "free" light and heat.

BATHROOM

Your water heater is one of the biggest gobblers of electricity in the home. Insulate your electric water heater to use hot water efficiently.

Repair dripping faucets as they overwork the water heater.

Equip your shower with a flow control or regulator and you can reduce the volume of water by two to four gallons per minute, while increasing pressure to 30 pounds per square inch.

LAUNDRY

Try to wash full loads whenever possible. It takes as much energy to wash a single item as it takes to wash a full load.

Find a location for your dryer where there is fresh air, as humid air circulating through your dryer increases drying time and energy costs.

KITCHEN

Use a dishwasher. Although dishwashers use an average of 15 gallons of hot water per load plus the electricity needed to operate them, washing and rinsing dishes by hand three times a day uses more hot water and energy than one load a day in an automatic dishwasher.

IN SUMMER

Do your housecleaning – mopping and washing dishes – in the coolest part of the day. These tasks add moisture and heat to your home in the summer.

IN WINTER

On cold, damp nights, use an electric blanket at night instead of central heating. It's more economical than heating the house all night long.

For more information see Belco's website at http://www.belco.bm/belco/energySavingTips.html