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The Simple Truth Wow, time really does pass


quickly. Since my last column, both a hurricane and a major winter storm have pounded the northeastern United States. Te storms left millions without electricity. Hundreds of crews were sent by electric utilities, including electric cooperatives, to help restore this wonderful product called electricity. I heard several families on TV say they didn't realize how many ways they use electricity until they were without it. Te fact is it is an all electric world. Yes, virtually everything in a house depends upon electricity, even natural gas furnaces and clothes dryers. I have always been impressed


with the way electric co-ops work together to restore power during a time of crisis. Many of the utilities hit by Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy were investor-owned/ for-profit utilities, not member- owned/not-for-profit businesses like your electric cooperative. And


although those business models differ greatly, they worked together during a difficult situation to restore electricity to those without. What a beautiful thing: electric utility workers from all walks of life across America working together to improve the quality of life for those in need. Let’s move on to energy


efficiency. I recently opened a letter from a lady who had attended my recent seminar at Craighead Electric Cooperative. I would like to share the entire letter, but there just isn’t enough space within this column. Here are some experts from her "saga."


“Doug: Well, I have debated on


whether to write you about my electric bill, but I wanted you to know how pleased I am. Your advice worked. We talked last summer about adding insulation to my attic. My Uncle Shepherd and I rented an insulation machine from Lowe's and discovered there wasn’t any insulation over my laundry room, which explains why it was like killing hogs in there in the winter and hot as Hades in the summer. Tese are the things I noticed that were different after the insulation was added. 1. Felt warm when I walked into the


laundry room. Tis was a first. 2. House was comfortable at 68 degrees. Did not have to layer clothing. 3. Did not have to turn on back-up heat (gas stove). 4. Summer thermostat set at 78 (did not change at any time) and house was comfortable even on hottest days. 5. Did not have to turn on floor fans to stay cool. 6. Children, when they visited, did not complain that the house was too hot. First time ever. 7. Unit does not run for what seems forever. I used to hear it running forever when I woke in the middle of the night. Now when I wake up, I wonder why it isn’t running. 8. Electric bill is reasonable. Hallelujah!”


She also mentioned that she


caulked “like mad” and installed a Marathon water heater. She ends with, “Tanks for taking the time to read my saga, but most of all thanks for all the help you give everyone on ways to cut down on energy costs.” Folks, the improvements we


teach always work. Just look at what adding cellulose attic insulation, caulking and installing a Marathon water heater did for this member. And you can do it, too.


Doug Rye, a licensed architect living in Saline County and the popular host of the “Home Remedies” radio show, works as a consultant for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas to promote energy efficiency to cooperative members statewide. To ask energy efficiency-related questions, call Doug at 501-653-7931. More energy-efficiency tips, as well as Doug’s columns, can also be found at www.SmartEnergyTips.org.


News Magazine 23


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