New Year’s Resolution: Be Energy Efficient Year-Round

by Tanya Marchun, Communications Specialist

GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (January 20, 2025) It’s common around this time to reflect on progress made toward goals of the past year and what can still be improved. Maybe it’s health, finances, relationships, or other areas of life that need “freshening up” in 2025. Proceed thoughtfully, though, as a grand idea can lead to an overwhelmed mind, hindering progress. Rather than jump feet first into a major overhaul, start with a small step that, when done consistently, will produce results. You can take small steps no matter whether you tackle clutter, save money, eat healthier, commit to an exercise routine, or work to have a more energy efficient home.

Energy efficiency is not typically on a list of New Year’s Resolutions. It does not offer the same exciting feeling as dropping a few pant sizes or booking a flight for your long-awaited family vacation. However, energy efficiency is an increasingly important consideration for every household. Often, energy efficiency frees up funds that will support the achievement of other goals. As you consider energy efficiency resolutions, start with small steps that will lead to results.

A great first step is knowing your household energy consumption. Log in to SmartHub to review your energy bills and establish a baseline for measuring future energy-saving efforts. Click Usage in the navigation menu. The Usage tools allow you to view energy usage for defined time periods and compare across months.

Also consider how Time-of-Use rates factor into your energy usage. When energy is used is just as important as how much is used. During off-peak hours (before 4 p.m. and after 9 p.m.) the cost per kilowatt hour is less than half of what it costs during on-peak hours (4 p.m. – 9 p.m.). Shifting energy usage to off-peak will help lower your electricity costs.

Additional small steps to energy efficiency:

• Turn off lights and unplug electronics not in use
• Close window coverings to prevent heat exchange
• Change air filters regularly
• Run full loads in appliances during off-peak hours

As you flex your energy efficiency muscles, remember the most important step in a New Year’s Resolution is to take the first step. Do what you can to implement consistent changes. Something as simple as switching off power strips every night before going to bed can create a more energy efficient home. Starting small can lead to big results! Grand Valley Power is happy to be your accountability partner, cheering you on and helping you to be successful with your energy efficiency resolution. Cheers to 2025!