Saving Energy on Labor Day Weekend and Beyond

2005-09-02

Executive Summary

As Americans head out for the Labor Day weekend, high prices and even shortages greet them at gasoline stations in much of the country. Several state governors, as well as President Bush, have called on Americans to conserve fuel.

There are several simple things that Americans can do to reduce their consumption of gasoline and other forms of energy in the days and weeks ahead.

Use transit or carpool – Public transportation saves energy and, at a time when gasoline prices in some areas exceed $3.50 per gallon, it saves money, too. For the many Americans who don’t have access to reliable transit service, however, carpooling is a great alternative. Many states and cities offer free rideshare matching services that link commuters making similar trips. For a list of rideshare and other commuting options for many major American cities, visit www.commuterchoice.com. Or call your state department of transportation.

Take it slow – Careful driving can dramatically improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, regardless of whether you drive a hybrid or an SUV. Gas mileage declines rapidly for vehicles traveling more than 60 miles per hour – driving 70 mph uses about 20 percent more fuel than driving the same car at 55 mph. Driving less aggressively and not idling your car can also save significant amounts of fuel.

Take care of your car – Keeping your car’s tires properly inflated can improve fuel economy by about 3 percent and changing the air filter can each reduce fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent. Keeping your engine properly tuned can save fuel as well. So, if you’re overdue for a tune-up or oil change (with the manufacturer’s recommended grade), now is a good time to do it.

Save electricity – While most everyone is concerned about high gasoline prices, Hurricane Katrina has also disrupted supplies of the “other” gas – natural gas. And since natural gas is used in much of the country to produce electricity, saving electricity can also help reduce the strain on the nation’s energy supplies. Turning up the thermostat on your air conditioner, turning off lights when they’re not needed, lowering the setting on your water heater, and turning off computers when they’re not in use can all help save electricity and natural gas.

Get ready for winter – Even after Katrina’s damage to the energy system is repaired, many parts of the country will still experience high natural gas, heating oil and electricity prices this winter. Winterizing your home now – by plugging air leaks, installing insulation and replacing inefficient equipment with new, energy efficient models – is a great way to avoid headaches and high bills in the months to come. Many states and utilities provide free energy efficiency assistance to homeowners – including rebates on energy efficient products. For a listing of state energy efficiency programs, visit www.energystar.gov. Or call your local electric or natural gas utility or your state public utilities commission.

Contact your elected officials - Tell them to support and promote new initiatives to significantly increase energy efficiency and fuel economy.