I call it the Green Thumb evolution.  The Lighting Industry has been getting wiser about energy usage and now the Power Industry is aggressively pushing forward and raising its energy- efficiency IQ as well. Over the past several years there has been an evolutionary leap that is broadening how we manage our energy usage and what is considered to be efficient.

How does the evolution of the Power Industry affect the Lighting Industry and you?  Well, for starters, the Power Industry is on the cusp of offering state-of-the-art meters that record and store energy usage and allows you to monitor and manage your consumption through a Smart Meter system.  With the introduction of Smart Meters you’ll now have the option of proactively monitoring your energy usage in 15 minute intervals, either online or through an in-home monitor. By monitoring energy usage in chosen intervals, you can determine what is using the most energy and when.  This system allows you to be in control and put an effective energy management plan in place.

Awareness is power.  And, understanding your energy usage, rates and needs can go a long way in helping  you to determine what cost-saving changes to implement, either by implementing technology or simply time-shifting some tasks.

Some utilities in Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin even offer “Time-of-Use” pricing, meaning electricity costs more during peak usage hours. If you find something requires more energy you can simply postpone that project to an alternate time when the energy rates are less expensive.  Timers and dimmers can be utilized at peak times or you can even redesign your lighting needs to optimize energy savings.  Before you do all of this you may want to contact your utility provider and learn how they price your usage.  Also, if you live in an area where electrical power is deregulated, such as Texas, it may be worth researching what other companies provide energy in your area so you can compare pricing and programs.

For example: If you monitor your energy levels for a month and find that between 6:00pm to 9:00pm you’re using twice the energy than during the day you may want to identify where you’re using the most energy when you’re home.  That will help you decide whether or not to add LED lighting in the kitchen, install dimmers to the lamps in high traffic areas such as the living room, exchange incandescent exterior lights with LED or compact fluorescent or whether to invest in more energy efficient appliances. You’ll also want to take into account daily household habits, too.

These are all things to consider when you are dedicated to lowering your energy usage and ultimately, your energy costs.  Keep in mind you’ll need to compare the up-front investment in energy saving technology with the savings you get in energy and maintenance costs over time to determine how quickly your investment will pay back. In many cases, energy efficient technology is more expensive to purchase than what you’re currently using.

Discovering the energy-using culprit is half the battle!  Understanding how your energy is used will increase your energy-saving objectives, and, for months to come you can better gauge your energy usage painlessly through your computer or in-home monitor.

Give yourself a pat on the back – You’ve just taken your Green Thumb to the next level effortlessly!