It should come as no surprise that I am a big advocate of conservation. See previous post. Not to discount alternative energy and not to argue the global warming controversy - this is just too important. My point is simple - it is in the best interest of our national economy and security to reduce our demand for foreign energy! Conservation is the most cost and time effective way to go about this. So how do we do it?

The city of Austin, TX has a plan. They are calling out the Green Police. See Austin City Ordinance No. 20081106-047  if you think I'm kidding. Fines will be issued if you do not comply when selling your home effective 1 June 2009. The U.S. Congress is considering similar legislation in the new energy and climate legislation bill that recently passed in the House. At the other extreme would be an all voluntary system. Rather than debate the merits of each I would rather offer some suggestions for doing it on your own. It's a good idea because it can reduce your household expenses and, on a global level, it does no harm. If there are enough people doing no harm it could ultimately mean doing a lot of good.

Microsoft just released a website for exactly this purpose.  Microsoft Hohm homepage      Microsoft Hohm Information downloads

 

 

 

Fill out a profile questionaire on your home and you will see where you compare with others in energy consumption for similar homes in your locale plus get recommendations with cost and savings figures for improvements. I've been reading a number of comments about the site - both compliments and criticisms. I agree that the profile is lengthy but you can receive recommendations for partially filled out forms. There are two things to remember. The results you get are determined by the quality of the input. There is no easy way to do this, hence, a long questionaire. Secondly, consider what sort of time, effort, and expense looming  if an audit is mandated by your city or state or federal government. If this can't eliminate that at least you will be more prepared.

There are a number of other energy audit tools online. Check out Energy Info For You - Home Energy Tips for more ideas. Regardless of the politcal climate, hype, or real concern, please get started by taking the self-help approach. By yourself your actions may seem insignificant but add them up and the results will be remarkable. Those results may mean fewer new electrical generating plants, less frequent brownouts, slowing energy price increases, and reduced oil imports.

If the Green Police are authorized to visit you does anyone have a suggestion on how to utilize the available self-help  efforts to avoid additional mandated (costly) audits for those that can ill afford it? Would it not be reasonable to document measures taken and and results gained (comparison of utility bills before and after) to be used in place of a mandated audit? Shouldn't documented energy savings be considered in lieu of a costly audit especially for those on fixed incomes or with limited budgets.