Now that school is back in session, families are dealing with earlier wake up calls, the rush to make the bus and time set aside to do homework,” said Mike Poston, Santee Cooper Vice President of Retail Operations. “You can make energy efficiency part of your family’s new schedule by adding a few quick, energy-efficient steps that will save your family time and money.”

One of the easiest energy-savers is turning out the lights. Remind everyone in your family, especially children, to flip the switch when they leave a room or run out the door to catch the bus.

You should also consider replacing old incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading 15 of your home’s bulbs from inefficient incandescent light bulbs to CFLs could save you $50 per year.

Plus, CFL options are steadily evolving, and CFLs can be purchased in different light levels and different colors.

Remind your family members to unplug after searching the Internet or charging up cell phones. Unplugging phone chargers, computers, monitors, printers and other household appliances, like your coffee maker, will save you money and energy because most of these items continue to use energy when plugged in but not in use.

Use hot water only when necessary and in the cooler evening hours of the day. Your HVAC unit has to work harder to keep your home cool if the shower or dishwasher is releasing steam.

Look for more tips at www.ReduceTheUse.com , Santee Cooper’s website devoted to its energy efficiency program.

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility, and the state’s largest power producer