National Cut Your Energy Costs Day on January 10 pays attention to an important, yet often overlooked subject, and is key for a host of reasons. Wasting energy is one of the nastiest things we can do in life, to the planet, to our wallets, and even, fundamentally, to each other. Perhaps most crucially for National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, this is one of those things where just a little bit of effort can pay huge dividends, for example in many cases, the savings you can make can be sufficient to pay for an entire vacation.
History of National Cut Your Energy Costs Day
We are highly dependent on electricity and use a lot of energy to keep our homes warm during the winter and cool during the summer. Heating and cooling costs are some of the most expensive bills that we pay throughout the year and there has been an issue that people have complained about.
Homes account for 22% of the energy usage in the United States, according to Energy.gov. Our lights, chargers, laptops, and televisions are always plugged in. We have numerous options when it comes to saving money and conserving energy in our homes. Simple tasks such as taking shorter showers, keeping thermostats turned down, and unplugging unused appliances can all make a difference. The less energy we use, the better it is for the environment.
National Cut Your Energy Costs Day was first established by the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance. It’s relevance to wider society means that it is observed in numerous places throughout the world, including the U.S and the UK, where the media often choose this day to publish energy-saving tips for their readers.
National Cut Your Energy Costs Day timeline
- 2019
Renewable energy
New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a new law that will position the state to obtain 100% of its electrical needs from renewable sources no later than 2050
- 2018
Solar Power in homes
California becomes the first state to require all new homes to have solar power by 2020.
- 1954
First nuclear power plant
In Obinsk, Russia, the first nuclear power plant had a net output of five megawatts. President Dwight D. Eisenhower opened the first American power plant four years later.
- 1880s
First electricity in homes
The first electricity in homes was for a few select customers in Manhattan, but obviously, it spread pretty quickly. As a result, “come around and see my light bulb” was only a good chat-up line for about a year.
National Cut Your Energy Costs Day FAQs
When is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day?
January 10
Where is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day observed?
The United States
How can we celebrate National Cut Your Energy Costs Day together?
National Cut Your Energy Day is all about finding useful ways to save money and conserve energy. As a community, we can celebrate by sharing tips for energy reduction using the hashtag, #CutYourEnergyCostsDay on social media.
Five Facts About National Cut Your Energy Costs Day
Energy isn’t cheap
According to the mortgage company Freddie Mac, an average U.S. family spends $2,200 per year on energy bills.
CEEA
National Cut Your Energy Costs Day was created by the Canadian Efficiency Alliance (CEEA).
Houseplant Appreciation Day
National Cut Your Energy Costs Day also falls on the same day as Houseplant Appreciation Day on January 10.
The average use
The average U.S. household uses an average of 11,000 kWh of electricity per year
LED lights are a good investment
LED bulbs might cost twice as much as CFL bulbs, but they last three times longer.
How to Celebrate National Cut Your Energy Costs Day
Buy a programmable thermostat
If your heating or air conditioning is on when you don’t need it, that’s the biggest source of wasted energy in American homes, right there. If you own your home, then installing a programmable thermostat should be straightforward but if you’re renting, then you’ll need to talk to the person who rents to you. That’s true of many energy efficiency measures: homeowners are more likely to take them than renters. But that doesn’t mean it’s not in your landlord’s interests, either. Firstly they’re likely to retain tenants longer who are happier with their bills. Secondly, they might also share the belief that sustainability is everyone’s job.
Check that your appliances are energy efficient
Most of us balk at buying a new fridge, freezer, dishwasher, or washer-dryer, but the truth is that many older models are so inefficient they might be costing you more in energy bills than it might cost to completely replace them. A little research should show you whether any of your appliances are officially energy hogs, and whether you might be able to save money over the medium term by replacing any of the most egregious offenders.
Check your water use
Wasting water not only raises your water bill but the energy used to pump the water into your home and then, of course, to heat it, is a major source of energy use. Get an energy-efficient shower-head and turn your water off when you’re brushing your teeth. Check for any leaky faucets or a toilet cistern that fails to shut off.
Why National Cut Your Energy Costs Day is important
It’s about saving money
Many energy suppliers act as though they have a monopoly in most markets, but the truth is that they don’t. Sure, in your local market, there might be a dominant provider. But if you search their name and “other providers”, they’re actually mandated, in many cases by both state and federal laws, to list alternative energy suppliers on their own websites. That’s because there’s a board game about monopolies, and it doesn’t end well. Do yourself a favor and do the research to save money, plus, stop feeding the people who land on the dark blue squares first. Simply reinsulating your loft can save many homeowners a huge amount, and pay for itself in less than a year if you do the job yourself.
It’s about sustainability
The major emitters of carbon must do their part to reduce emissions into the earth’s atmosphere. But sustainability efforts also begin at home, which means each of us can take responsibility for reducing our carbon footprints. The average American consumes 6.8 metric tons of oil in carbon emissions each year, more than three times the average person in China. So if every American took the time and energy to do this work, we’d actually make significant advances in reducing global warming.
It’s about checklists
If there’s one thing we really love, it’s a checklist, and National Cut Your Energy Costs Day is a great opportunity to get one together, taking a good look at a whole host of items in your home to ensure that you’re not only getting the best value for money but also minimizing waste. Remember the satisfaction that’s looming when you check that box! Put it up on a bulletin board and make sure everybody sees it. Go, you. You’re the responsible provider.
Also on Fri Jan 10, 2025...
Jan
10
Jan
10
Jan
10
Jan
10
Jan
10