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As Energy Costs Soar, Consumers Can Save a Bundle in

Laundry Room, Bathroom, All Around the House This Winter

News Background:

With this winter’s home energy bills substantially higher than last year’s, it’s crucial that consumers look carefully around their homes to see how they can save money by reducing their energy use.  While many people already lower their thermostats and pile on extra blankets, there are other ways homeowners can reduce energy bills without compromising their daily living standards.

According to the Alliance to Save Energy, one of the world’s premier energy-efficiency organizations, there are simple, easy ways to reduce energy use in every room of the house.  The Alliance’s energy efficiency tips include replacing the four most used incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, caulking and weatherstripping, and installing a programmable thermostat.  In the laundry room, consumers can save a bundle by washing all of their clothes in cold water.  New detergents are now available that clean all fabrics and colors as effectively in cold water as warm. 

According to estimates from the Energy Information Administration, U.S. energy consumption will increase by almost 40 percent over the next 20 years – an amount equivalent to all of the energy used today in California, Texas, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.  But by becoming conscientious energy consumers, Americans can see significant savings while helping the nation reduce its overall energy use.

Who:                                                             

Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, is available to share with viewers a variety of tips and actions consumers can take to see real savings in their home energy bills.

Suggested topics Kateri discusses include:

• What steps consumers can implement in each room of the house to reduce energy bills and use;
• What real dollar- and-cents savings are possible;
• Free print and web resources;
• How consumers can participate in a national Cold Water Challenge to reduce energy bills and use and simultaneously help low-income families pay their energy bills.

TO REQUEST A HARD COPY, CONTACT: Randi Appelbaum/DMS at 212-727-1802.