Focus on Energy Appliance Recycling Program
Looking for an inexpensive way to get rid of an old refrigerator or freezer in your home? Maybe it’s time to replace your appliance (refrigerators built before 1993 can use two to three times as much energy as newer, high-efficiency models). Or perhaps you keep an old refrigerator in your garage or basement and you don’t have a need for it anymore. Whatever your situation is, take a look at the Focus on Energy Appliance Recycling Program. According to Focus on Energy, recycling one of these appliances could save you roughly $150 a year on your energy bills!
If you’re a customer of a participating electric utility (yes, We Energies participates), Focus on Energy will remove the refrigerator or freezer and you’ll get a $30 cash back reward! How easy is that?
Refrigerators and freezers must be in working condition. If you have a non-working appliance, you’ll need to contact your current waste and recycling hauler to arrange pick up (and you’ll probably have to pay a fee). For more details, visit the Focus on Energy website.
Will Gas Dip Below $3 a Gallon This Summer?
Consumer advocate Clark Howard is predicting that there is a better than 50/50 chance that gas prices will dip below $3 per gallon and fall into the $2 range this summer. The U.S. is currently sitting on its greatest stockpile of oil in the last 22 years.
Howard believes that our increased oil reserves in conbination with the following factors will contribute to lower prices at the pump:
- France has elected a new socialist president
- The disruption in Greek elections
- Continuing political and economic uncertainty in Europe
- China’s economy is slowing down
- Americans are buying more fuel efficient vehicles
- There appears to be less talk of going to war with Iran
According to MilwaukeeGasPrices.com, the current national average at the pump is $3.76 per gallon and the average price in Milwaukee is $3.80 per gallon.
It’s extremely difficult to predict where gas prices are headed. However, there is one thing that we know for sure - we hope Clark Howard is right with his prediction!
Receive an Annual $50 Credit with We Energies Energy Partners Program
If you’re looking for a way to save some money on your electric bill, the We Energies Energy Partners Program offers a $50 credit each summer if you allow them to control your central air conditioner during periods of high demand for energy.
If you sign up for the program, We Energies will install a small radio device near your central air conditioner. This device allows We Energies to cycle the air conditioner between noon and 11pm from May 15th through September 15th of each year. According to We Energies, cycling air conditioners usually takes place on weekdays between noon and 8pm.
Three options are available:
- $50 credit - your air conditioner may be cycled off up to 6 continuous hours in one day
- $40 credit - your air conditioner may be cycled off up to 4 continuous hours in one day
- $12 credit - your air conditioner may be cycled off up to 45 minutes, run 15 minutes, and continue this cycle up to 8 hours in one day
Here’s a look at when We Energies has actually cycled air conditioners off:
- 2011 - None
- 2010 - None
- 2009 - None
- 2008 - None
- 2007 - Cycled once for 30 minutes
- 2006 - None
- 2005 - Cycled 4 days for a total of 2.5 hours
- 1999 to 2004 - None
To learn more or to enroll, visit the We Energies Energy Partners program webpage. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure this program is right for your situation. We Energies recommends that individuals with health problems that require central air conditioning do not participate in this program.
So do you think this is a good deal? Leave a comment and let us know.
We regularly feature energy savings tips to help Milwaukee area consumers reduce their utility bill. Follow this link to see all of our previous energy savings tips.
