MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – With longer days and later sunset times, now is the perfect time to establish good lighting habits that will save you energy and money throughout the spring, summer and fall.

Start by taking advantage of natural light. Keeping blinds and curtains open in the evenings can provide enough natural light in your home to allow you to limit the number of lights you turn on before nightfall. For more privacy, use light-colored, loose-weave curtains for windows that allow in daylight.

Also, as dusk makes its way into night, consider putting your outdoor lights on timers.

“Many people keep their garage lights, porch lights or yard spotlights on all night. By putting your lights on a timer, you’ll limit the amount of time your lights are operating, which saves energy,” said Mike Poston, Santee Cooper’s vice president of retail operations. “You can also save energy and money by installing motion detectors on the spotlights in your yard so they only turn on when activated.”

In addition to timers and motion detectors, replacing old, incandescent bulbs with high-efficiency compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs, can significantly reduce the amount of energy you use since outdoor lights are usually left turned on for long periods of time. When shopping for lighting, look for ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures designed for outdoor use. Plus, many fixtures now come with features like automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors built in. And remember, CFLs are also energy-savers inside your home.

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility, and the state’s largest power producer. The ultimate source of electricity for 2 million South Carolinians, Santee Cooper is dedicated to being the state’s leading resource for improving the quality of life for the people of South Carolina. For more information, visit www.santeecooper.com.