north arkansas electric cooperative edition
Qualifying members can receive help with electric bills
22
OCTOBER 2020
Use smaller kitchen appliances, such as slow cookers, toaster ovens, microwaves and convection ovens when possible. They use less energy than a full-size oven.
Save electricity in the kitchen The kitchen is undeniably one of the most-loved rooms in our homes. It’s where we gather with family and friends for favorite meals and memories. Like most of us, you probably aren’t thinking about saving energy when you’re planning that perfect dish. Here are ways you can save energy in the kitchen with minimal effort. When possible, cook with smaller appliances. Using smaller kitchen appliances, such as slow cookers, toaster ovens and convection ovens, is more energy efficient than using a large stove or oven. According to the Department of Energy, a toaster or convection oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a full-sized oven. Unplug appliances that draw phantom energy load. Energy vampires in your kitchen are the appliances that draw energy even when they’re not in use, such as coffee makers, microwaves and toaster ovens. The Department of Energy has estimated that one home’s energy vampires left plugged in year-round can add up to $100-$200 in wasted energy costs. Unplug them when they’re not in use. Better yet, use a power strip for convenient control. Help large appliances work less. Keep range-top burners clean from spills and fallen foods, so they’ll reflect heat better. When it’s time to put leftovers in the refrigerator, make sure the food is covered and allow it to cool down first. The fridge won’t have to work harder to cool warm food. Use the dishwasher efficiently. Only run full loads, and avoid using the “rinse hold” function for just a few dirty dishes; it uses 3-7 gallons of hot water each use. Consider letting dishes air dry. If your dishwasher doesn’t have an automatic air-dry switch, simply turn it off after the final rinse and prop the door open so the dishes will dry faster.
NORTH ARKANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
IMAGES: SCOTT VAN OSDOL; NAEC ARCHIVES; TORI MOSS
The federal government’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides help for qualifying members with their energy costs during the summer and winter months. LIHEAP is administered by community action agencies. The two in NAEC’s service area are Ozark Opportunities and Northcentral Arkansas Development Council. Members are encouraged to contact the agencies directly for more information. Numbers by county include: • Baxter — 870-425-5118 • Fulton — 870-895-3628 • Izard — 870-368-4329 • Marion — 870-449-6250 • Sharp — 870-994-7353 • Stone — 870-269-4381 The amount of assistance available is based on a member’s income, number of people in the household and other factors. Members with questions or concerns about their account may reach an NAEC member service representative by emailing info@naeci.com or calling 870-895-3221 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. As a reminder, NAEC has suspended disconnections for nonpayment temporarily.