Every little bit makes a difference

Consumer demand for electricity is growing. It’s estimated that over the next 20 years, an additional 214 gigawatts of electricity will be required to keep up with demand. 

To put that in context, that’s 357 large coal plants worth of capacity.

So while governments and utility companies are doing their part to provide clean-burning alternative energy sources, consumers are being asked to start changing their consumption habits.

Beyond the basics, switching to CFL light bulbs, buying Energy Star appliances and simply switching off the switch, consumers now have other ways they can make a difference.

Take Smart Meters, as an example. Companies, like Xcel Energy, are finding ways to make smart meters as fun and as easy to use as TiVo. How it works is consumers manage home electricity via a web page that displays energy consumption and carbon footprint data and suggests ways to save energy (and cash).

By tinkering with the SmartGridCity site, savvy users can manage the power flowing to each appliance and rank them according to the order they should be shut down when prices rise. Turning energy consumption into a video game that saves you money.

Another option is by inserting special plugs into electrical outlets, almost anything—from hall lights and pool pumps to garage door openers—turning those appliances into a smart appliance.

The important thing to keep in mind is that no matter what you do, every little bit helps.

Illustration: James Day