ENERGY                                                                          

ELECTRIC RATE CAPS ARE EXPIRING SOON...
At the end of 2010, electric rate caps are coming off...stay ahead of the curve.  You can find energy efficiency information by going to energysavepa.com, or call First Energy at 866-283-8081.  I've attached a brochure "More than 100 Ways to Improve Your Electric Bill".  Use the link below.

First Energy Brochure

REA Brochure
Rural Electric Cooperative                                              

Penelec Brochure
Pennsylvania Electric Company

The Penelec generation rate cap expires on December 31, 2010, and the PA Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) estimates that Penelec residential rates could be 50% higher than their current levels.  Penelec does offer an early "pre-payment" plan.  Under this program, rate increases for residential customers may be "phased-in", so that customers can voluntarily begin to pre-pay the expected increase and the impact of the rate increase can therefore be moderated over time.  The pre-paid amounts will be credited to the customer's account (with 7.5% interest) in 2011 & 2012.
Wholesale electricity prices have declined in 2009 along with other energy prices, but the actual increase for Penelec customers will not be known until Penelec secures generation for 2011.

PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE of CONSUMER ADVOCATE
PA Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) was established in 1976.  OCA is an independent state office, administratively within the PA Office of Attorney General.  OCA also assists individuals who have questions and complaints regarding natural gas, electric, telephone, and water service.  Toll free number is 800-684-6560, and is staffed from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday.  The OCA can also be reached via e-mail at consumer@paoca.org or visit their website at www.oca.state.pa.us.

"CASH FOR APPLIANCES" PROGRAM
A rebate program has been implemented to help residents replace older, inefficient appliances with new, non-electric ENERGY STAR qualified & ultra-efficient appliances.  The program started April 21, 2010.  Residents may be able to "reserve" rebates once the program begins; the program will end when funds are depleted.

Eligible products (in Pennsylania) include:
* Gas storage water heaters
* Gas tankless water heaters
* Gas furnaces
* Oil boilers
* Gas boilers 
You are encouraged to recycle your old appliances, especially with the caps being lifted at the end of 2010.  Note: This program is separate from the Federal Tax Credits.

To check your state's program, go to www.energysavers.gov.

HOME ENERGY AUDIT
If your energy bill is too high, you should consider a home energy audit.  This will identify which parts of your house use the most energy.  You can conduct a simple home energy audit yourself or you cna contact an independent energy auditor for a more comprehensive examination.  For example, you can check your home's insulation system, homes or cracks around your walls, ceilings, windows, doors, light & plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets that leak air into or out of your home.  You can also make sure your applicances and heating & cooling systems are properly maintained.
Visit the Energy Star Website www.energystar.gov and take the Home Energy Yardstick, which in 5 minutes will tell you if your energy use is above average.

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS or CURLY-Q-BULBS
If every American home replaced just one incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year.  An energy star qualified CFL bulb uses about 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and lasts up to 10 times longer.  Each CFL bulb could save you up to $50 in electricity costs over the life of the bulb.  Bulbs are now available in different sizes and shapes to fit into almost any fixture.  For more information on CFL bulbs, visit http://www.energystar.gov and click on 'lighting' link on the side menu.
CFL's do contain a very small amount of mercury - sealed within the glass tubing - about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen.  No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use.
When the CFL bulb does burn out, seal the unbroken bulb in (2) plastic bags and check for businesses or local government programs that accept the CFL's for recycling.  As these CFL bulbs become more popular, more recycling options will become available.  "Home Depot" stores have a CFL bulb recycling program at 1,973 locations, for your convenience.