Turn out lights when not needed

Why

Lighting accounts for 21% of home electricity use. On average, that means $22 of your monthly electricity bill ($260 per year) is for lighting. If you want to get control of your electricity bill, start by turning off lights that are not needed.

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 lights on, 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 lights are left on.