Hands-On Energy Efficiency

2 Saving energy helps the environment. A lot of the energy we use is produced by burning coal, oil, and natural gas. Burning these fuels releases pollutants into the air and adds gases to the atmosphere that contribute to climate change. Saving energy helps reduce air pollution and helps keep the environment healthy. Saving energy saves money. Energy costs money. The less energy you use, the more money you can save. Even using a little less energy can save your family a lot of money! Why Save Energy? Each month, your family receives a bill that explains how much energy you used during that month and how much you must pay for it. ­ Your energy bill shows how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity you used. What is a kWh? It is 1,000 watts of electricity used for one hour. If you leave twenty 50-watt light bulbs on for an hour, you’ve used one kWh of electricity. For natural gas, you pay for the therms or cubic feet. One cubic foot of natural gas is enough to fill 7½ one-gallon jugs. Your Energy Bill Find and circle these items on the energy bill shown here: • SERVICE DATES (The period of time the bill covers.) • AMOUNT FOR GAS • AMOUNT FOR ELECTRICITY • TOTAL AMOUNT DUE (The total amount this family must pay for their energy use that month. It includes the cost of delivery services and the cost of the energy.)