Getting the Most from Your Energy Dollar

Abstract

In today’s economy, the cost of energy (electricity and natural gas)
has increased at astronomical rates. In less than a decade, electricity has
doubled in cost and natural gas risen four-fold. Energy is now a signifi-
cant cost of operation in any plant or facility, especially in a household
budget. Although natural gas costs have dropped some, no one expects
prices to return to their pre-2000 rates. High energy costs are with us
now and will continue to deplete business profits and income. But it is
not all depressing on the energy outlook. There are actions that can be
taken to reduce these energy costs. As an energy engineer in the busi-
ness for 28 years, I will share my thoughts on reducing your energy
consumption and lowering your energy bills.
There are fi ve ways to save energy dollars:
(1) Negotiate a better price for your energy commodity.
(2) Reduce energy demand and consumption.
(3) Reschedule energy consumption.
(4) Convert to a different form of energy.
(5) Make your own energy.
Implementing any or a combination of these concepts will help
you get the most from your energy dollar.