Ever feel like “energy efficiency” and “energy conservation” are just buzzwords? They’re often used when talking about sustainability and the environment, but what do they really mean for you and your home? While both help reduce energy use, they’re actually different paths to the same goal. Let’s break it down so you can be empowered to make even smarter choices about your electric use.
Energy Efficiency: Using Power Smartly
When we talk about energy efficiency, we mean devices and homes that work smarter, not harder, to achieve the same results with less energy. For instance, when you replace an old-fashioned incandescent light bulb with an LED, you experience the same or better amount of light, but the LED sips electricity compared to its older, electricity-guzzling counterpart. This same principle applies when you upgrade to a new refrigerator or washing machine, install a high-efficiency furnace or update your home’s insulation. These are all smart investments that maintain your comfort and convenience while helping to use less power.
Energy Conservation: Consciously Reducing Use
Energy conservation is about changing behaviors and habits to reduce the amount of energy you use. It’s the conscious decision to use less. Simply remembering to turn off the lights when you leave a room is an act of energy conservation. Taking shorter showers to reduce hot water energy use, unplugging electronics when they’re not needed or setting your thermostat a few degrees cooler in the winter or warmer in the summer are also impactful ways to conserve energy.
Why Does AEP Ohio Care? It’s All About Reliability.
So why does your electric company encourage both efficiency and conservation? It comes down to grid reliability. Our electric grid is a complex system that must constantly balance the amount of electricity being generated with the amount being consumed. When demand for electricity peaks — like on a hot summer afternoon when everyone’s air conditioners are running full blast — it puts a significant strain on the grid. If the system gets overloaded, it can increase the risk of equipment damage and longer, more widespread outages.
Ultimately, energy efficiency and conservation aren’t just about saving a few dollars on your bill (though that’s a great perk!). They also play a crucial role in ensuring we can provide dependable electricity to all our customers. By working together and making smart energy choices, we can all contribute to a more resilient and reliable future.
Want to learn more about specific resources and programs that can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency? Visit AEPOhio.com/Savings.
