Kilowatt Meters Allow Arkansans to Track Home Energy Use
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: February 1, 2012
The Arkansas Energy Office (AEO), a division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, has announced "Track and Save", a new program that will allow library patrons the opportunity to check out kilowatt meters from public libraries throughout Arkansas to measure energy use at home.
Participating* public libraries each have five meters.
After plugging the meter into any home outlet, the user can then plug any 115-volt appliance into the meter. The kilowatt meter will estimate the amount of energy the appliance uses and how much money the appliance costs to operate over time.
"We're excited about offering this new program to residential energy users throughout Arkansas," said Scott Hamilton, director of the Arkansas Energy Office. "People today are more concerned about saving money and preserving our resources than ever before. Knowledge is power, and I think folks are going to be amazed when they realize how much money they are spending on operating appliances and electronics they aren't even using."
The "Track and Save" program seeks to educate Arkansans about residential energy use and to ultimately influence Arkansans to reduce energy and save money at home by unplugging electronics when not in use. According to the Energy Information Administration, appliances and lights account for 33 percent of a home's energy use - and many appliances continue to use energy even when turned off or not in use. Total energy costs for appliances and lights cost the average Arkansas household $627 a year.
"We are excited to participate in the "Track and Save" program," said Lee Ann Blackwell with the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS). "As a public library system, CALS is an information hub. Green living and efficiency go hand in hand with the library. Providing kilowatt meters to our patrons will provided them with valuable information."
The AEO promotes energy efficiency and emerging technologies through energy education and information programs as well as managing federal energy funds in the State of Arkansas.
"Track and Save" is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Click here for more information on the program.
*Participating libraries
This program is open to any public library in Arkansas. Currently, 25% of the public libraries are participating in this program. Check the link above for a full list of participating libraries.
If you want to track your energy with kilowatt-hour meters, ask your library to participate in this program.
Participating* public libraries each have five meters.
After plugging the meter into any home outlet, the user can then plug any 115-volt appliance into the meter. The kilowatt meter will estimate the amount of energy the appliance uses and how much money the appliance costs to operate over time.
"We're excited about offering this new program to residential energy users throughout Arkansas," said Scott Hamilton, director of the Arkansas Energy Office. "People today are more concerned about saving money and preserving our resources than ever before. Knowledge is power, and I think folks are going to be amazed when they realize how much money they are spending on operating appliances and electronics they aren't even using."
The "Track and Save" program seeks to educate Arkansans about residential energy use and to ultimately influence Arkansans to reduce energy and save money at home by unplugging electronics when not in use. According to the Energy Information Administration, appliances and lights account for 33 percent of a home's energy use - and many appliances continue to use energy even when turned off or not in use. Total energy costs for appliances and lights cost the average Arkansas household $627 a year.
"We are excited to participate in the "Track and Save" program," said Lee Ann Blackwell with the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS). "As a public library system, CALS is an information hub. Green living and efficiency go hand in hand with the library. Providing kilowatt meters to our patrons will provided them with valuable information."
The AEO promotes energy efficiency and emerging technologies through energy education and information programs as well as managing federal energy funds in the State of Arkansas.
"Track and Save" is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Click here for more information on the program.
*Participating libraries
This program is open to any public library in Arkansas. Currently, 25% of the public libraries are participating in this program. Check the link above for a full list of participating libraries.
If you want to track your energy with kilowatt-hour meters, ask your library to participate in this program.
