Together We Can Determine Ways to Save

by Destry Smith, Energy Services Administrator

GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (Sept. 21, 2023) 

Serving as your trusted energy advisor means I want to provide advice and information on a broad range of energy topics and help you save energy (and money). I’ve outlined below just a few of the ways that we at Grand Valley Power strive to empower members’ lives. 

SOLAR 
If you’re considering a rooftop solar installation, I am happy to give you an unbiased view of the pros and cons. Investing in a solar system is a major decision, and it’s important to fully understand the costs, responsibilities, and potential energy savings. Unlike a solar company that has one objective — to sell their products and services — I am here to work with you to look at your total energy picture and help you determine the best option for your home. It’s important for consumers to understand how a solar system will impact their bill with time-of-use rates. A consumer with high on-peak usage (4 to 9 p.m.) might consider installing more west-facing panels than any other direction. Grand Valley Power understands that homeowners must do their due diligence, and we’re here to help you through the entire process. More information can be found online at gvp.org/solar. 

ELECTRIC VEHICLES 
Similarly, we recognize that many members are considering electric vehicles. GVP offers ways to save on EV charging with an Electric Vehicle Time-of-Use Rate. This option allows for a kilowatt-hour rate from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. that is specific to EV charging. Members must present registration documentation for a Plug-In Hybrid EV or All Electric Vehicle to switch to this rate class. Grand Valley Power also provides information about EV charging and electrical requirements to members so you can make informed decisions about EVs. No matter what our members drive, we want to help you achieve energy savings. More information is available online at gvp.org/driveEV. 

HOME ENERGY USE 
Understanding how your home uses energy can help you determine the best ways to modify your energy use, and keep more money in your wallet. Give us a call and we can walk you through how to see your usage in the SmartHub account management tool. You can use SmartHub to explore your electricity usage on a daily or even hourly basis. You can also see which days of the week your usage is highest and even narrow it down by which hours of the day you consume the most power. SmartHub allows you to set up text messages that will be delivered to your cellphone to alert you when your household usage hits a certain kWh threshold. Using GVP’s SmartHub account management services could potentially raise your awareness and ultimately reduce your energy consumption. More information is online at gvp.org/SmartHub. 

At any time of the day, you can visit the Grand Valley Power website at gvp.org and find resources and tools under the Energy Solutions tab. An energy calculator will help you to calculate the cost of operating household items and appliances. Members can utilize the virtual Home Energy Adventure to assess their energy efficiency knowledge and learn the areas where they can improve. Be sure to visit gvp.org and check the savings tips to increase your home’s efficiency, which will, in turn, save you money. 

Destry Smith is GVP’s Energy Services Administrator. Prior to this role, he worked in the field as a GVP journeyman lineman. A graduate of Colorado Mesa University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Destry also completed the Electrical Lineworkers Program at Western Colorado Community College. His education and work in the field as a lineman has prepared him to serve in GVP’s Member Services Department as your trusted energy advisor.