Saving Money and Energy

Price increases for gasoline, diesel fuel, and home heating oil have hit record levels in recent weeks, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. So the best way for Americans to show their patriotism and commemorate Presidents’ Day this year is to take the Patriot’s Energy Pledge to reduce their oil consumption at www.saveabarrel.org, Pledge officials say.

“We commend President Bush’s proposal for a long-term federal commitment to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and urge him also to advocate immediate steps to reduce the nation’s oil dependence.

“While the country awaits the hydrogen-powered cars of 20 or more years from now, the President should be increasing fuel economy standards for cars, SUVs, and pickups and urging Americans to purchase and drive hybrid gas-electric vehicles that are in auto showrooms right now.

Radio PSAs Spotlight Over-the-Top Eco-Friendly Couple

Continuing its successful TV advertising approach of wild and humorous energy-saving experiments, the Alliance to Save Energy’s new TV ad, “Energy Science Fair,” features elementary school students vying for prizes for their science experiments that save the most energy.

Energy efficiency measures can deliver holiday cheer to your home this year, despite higher prices for heating fuels. By now, homeowners in areas where the use of home heating oil is prevalent know to expect energy bill increases of as much as 45 percent this winter, while those using natural gas have been warned that prices may rise by up to 19 percent.

Last winter's warmer-than-normal temperatures helped buffer the impact of a sliding economy by keeping home energy costs down. But this year, with the Iraq situation escalating and “normally cold” winter weather expected, consumers could be hit with higher heating bills — up to 19 percent higher if they use natural gas and 45 percent for home heating oil.

Are you Power$mart?

As the lowest mortgage rates in a decade and the stock market slide spur a boom in home buying and home remodeling, the Alliance to Save Energy encourages homeowners to invest in home energy-efficiency improvements that will pay personal and environmental dividends for years.

CPUC Endorses Alliance to Save Energy Program

More California students will have an opportunity to learn how to save energy in their schools, homes, and communities, thanks to today's 4-1 decision by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) allowing out-of-state organizations to provide energy-efficiency services in California. The decision allows the Alliance to Save Energy to continue and expand its successful Green Schools Program in California to nine school districts encompassing 45 schools.

Nation's Electric Grid Will Feel the Strain

Summers will be more expensive for consumers, dirtier for the environment — and possibly even hotter if the nation's electric systems are disrupted during peak demand — all because of new Bush Administration regulations, published today in the Federal Register, weakening the energy efficiency of air conditioners.

All manufacturers already make air conditioners that meet the higher standard, which would not go into effect until 2006, and most manufacturers offer even more efficient models.

The Alliance to Save Energy got a pleasant "shock" Saturday night when it discovered that its "Static Electricity House" television spot on home energy efficiency was voted the #2 TV commercial in the world.

Producers of "World's Greatest Commercials," which will air on CBS-TV May 11, 9 PM (EDST), named the Alliance to Save Energy's "Static Electricity House" television public service advertisement (PSA) on home energy efficiency one of the top 10 commercials in the world.