Switch off electrical devices when not in use

Why

Home electronics accounts for 14% of home electricity use. On average, that means $14 of your monthly electricity bill ($170 per year) is for home electronics. If you want to get control of your electricity bill, start by turning off televisions, computers, printers, monitors, TVs, video games, etc. when you are not using them.

How

Get your family to work together to reduce home electricity use. Read your electricity meter, or get an in-home display that connects with your electricity meter to chart your progress. Create an “energy jar.” When someone is caught leaving an electrical device running, they are “fined.” Put the money in the jar, and use it to pay energy bills. Or keep track of who was caught least and let them choose a family treat (ice cream outing, family activity, etc).

Use notes and remind each other when devices are left on.