Utilities

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Monday, July 28, 2008

DC Residents Only-Pool Your Electricity Buying: Aug 1 Deadline

Posted by mapgirl under Utilities
1 Comment

Hat tip to boyfriend, the DC resident. I have no other details about this other than the source of this information was his ANC rep via the ANC newsletter.

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You can save money on your electric bills with the help of the District Department of the Environment (DDOE). By joining with other residents and businesses who buy electricity, you can take advantage of a discounted group rate. Electricity suppliers compete with each other to offer the lowest price to the group. DDOE has saved District ratepayers more than $35 million since this program began in 2004.

To join the DC MAP program, simply send us an opt-in form (available at http://ddoe.dc.gov/dcmap) and copies of the front and back of your most recent electric bill.

DC MAP
DDOE Energy Office
2000 14th Street, NW, Suite 300 East
Washington, DC 20009

You must postmark or drop off your paperwork by Friday, August 1 to take part in the program. For more information, please visit http://ddoe.dc.gov/dcmap or call 673-6700.

 

Monday, December 17, 2007

Vampire Energy Loss

Posted by mapgirl under Frugality, Utilities
[3] Comments

Boston Gal has written extensively about her use of an energy meter around her home and ‘phantom’ energy losses.

I got this really awesome graphic of Vampire Energy Loss* from a friend of mine. I think it’s brilliant. It shows which appliances use the most energy in two types of standby modes and the approximate dollar cost. I can guaran-damn-tee you that I’ll never get a plasma TV after looking at the graphic.

As it is, I run only a computer, LCD monitor, Sony Dreamcube alarm clock, rice cooker (when I’m cooking and leaving it on warm setting), fridge, and a regular microwave. Even my toaster is unplugged on the counter and I use a regular toothbrush, though I’ve thought about getting a Sonicare one since my college friend, now dentist, recommends it.

Just some thoughts for you in the battery-laden, blinky holiday light season about your energy use. I mean, after all, I’m going to California for 5 days and you know I’ll be shutting off my computer and monitor, but my alarm clock will stay on. The thermostat is going down to 55 as well.

* Formally, the data is from the ‘2005 Intrusive Residential Standby Service Report’ from the Dept. of Energy. Your tax dollars at work. :-)