Energy ≠ Electricity Energy is the ability to do work Energy is abundant in nature, but not always readily available to do work Electricity is one form of energy Electricity is a finite resource | Is there a difference between conservation and efficiency? | Doing both saves the most! | |
 | Conservation = using less energy with behavior choices you conserve electricity by turning off the lights in a room | ||
 | Efficiency = using less energy with improved technology and materials by using efficient appliances, you use less electricity | ||
What it looks like Looks Like:LED lights are more efficient is because they are better at turning electricity into light and not heat! You can still conserve electricity by turning lights off when they are not needed.
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| Energy is used in many forms (electricity, heating, transportation, etc.) and is not synonymous with electricity. Conservation involves behavioral changes (e.g., turning off lights), while efficiency focuses on improved technology (e.g., LED bulbs, Energy Star appliances). Some examples of efficiency include using LEDs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs, which convert only 10% of electricity to light, with the rest wasted as heat. In contrast, LEDs convert 80% of electricity into light, making them far more efficient. Electric vehicles (EVs) are another example, as they are significantly more efficient than internal combustion engines (ICEs). ICEs convert only 16–25% of fuel energy into motion, with the rest lost as heat, while EVs utilize up to 90% of electricity for movement, with minimal energy loss. |
The Benefits to You: | ||
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Save Money No matter the source, energy costs money. Energy efficiency saves money, time, and effort for alternatives like wood heating. | Increase Home Comfort Efficiency and weatherization improve home comfort, reducing drafts, increasing humidity, and enhancing lighting. | Improve Health Not burning fuel indoors improves indoor air quality, reduces mold, and supports better circulation. |
Efficiency Impacts to the Utility | |
2023 Electricity Use | Sitka’s electricity is renewable, not unlimited Sitka’s electricity is nearly 100% renewable from hydroelectric sources at Green Lake and Blue Lake, but has capacity limits depending on how much it rains each year. Learn more about Sitka's power source here. Residential energy uses the most power makes up approximately 38% of Sitka’s electricity consumption and significantly impacts the utility, which operates as a nonprofit to ensure affordable and reliable service. Learn more about the utility structure here. Saving energy at both a residential and commercial level saves the resources (hydro / water) that Sitka uses to produce electricity. Dam reservoirs can only hold so much water, and climate change may make it less reliable and/or consistent. Energy efficiency also opens up potential for other uses of electricity like heat pumps and electric vehicles, without placing more demand on the system then can be supplied. Fortunately, the utility is not-for-profit, and is not trying to make more money from more usage. |
To Conserve or to be Efficient... That's a great question but why not both? Energy conservation generally means behavioral changes in how we consume energy. These kinds of changes are often free and have an immediate impact but require consistency. Efficiency means technology upgrades and can ultimately save more money long-term than conservation, with costs ranging from DIY projects to significant investments. Combining both conservation and efficiency maximizes Sitka’s energy savings. | |||
 | Conservation Choosing to use less energy |  | Efficiency Using energy better |
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Conservation + Efficiency = Maximum Energy Savings Doing both saves the most! |
Calculate Your Energy Spending Home energy budgets include transportation, heating, and electricity. Electrification in our households, such as switching to electric vehicles and heat pumps, may increase electricity use but decreases overall energy spending due to lower costs in other areas. It is important to note that electrification often means an increase on spending for electric utilities. Energy spending calculators vary greatly. Bolded items are most commonly used across the country | ||||||
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TransportationMoney spent on vehicle travel, typically cars, but can include air and boat travel | Space HeatingMoney spent on heating your home, water or food. This can include fuel oil, wood, or natural gas. If your home heat is electric, or other appliances, it will be included under the electricity portion. | ElectricityThe portion of your utility bill that you spend on electricity. If your home heat is electric, or other appliances, it will be included here. | Energy Spending | |||
Make Your Personal Energy Saving Plan Before you start reducing your energy usage, it’s helpful to have an idea of how much energy you consume and what you are currently paying in electric and heating bills each month. When you have this data, you can compare the same month year over year to track reductions. You can also track habits and usage, like how many times you run the dishwasher or do the laundry in a given week, how many lights your leave on at night, what electronics are always plugged in and on, etc. | |
Each Month, Monitor:
Determine what you want to change Decide how you can |  |
Then start crafting personal energy polices that reduce and save! |
Top Energy Savings Suggestions Disclaimer: The information presented is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific tax guidance. | |||
 | Thermostats | | Home Heating |
| Set to 62-68° F in winter and turn off in the summer Every degree you turn down = save 2% on heating | | Check and unblock air vents, radiators, and registers |
| Seal your fireplace and other holes when not in use | ||
| Program your thermostat (if possible)
| | Get your heating system tuned by a professional every year |
| Consider replacing heating systems that are older than 15 years | ||
| | Hot Water | | Weatherization |
| Turn down from 140° to 120° F This can save 6-10% | | Identify major air leaks
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| Add a fiberglass insulation blanket on old water heaters | ||
 | IRS tax credit for up to $2,000 for heat pump hot water heaters | | Install efficient exhaust fans |
| Water | | IRS tax credit available for 30% of weatherization costs up to $1,200 total for the year |
Blue Lake provides water and power. In Sitka, saving water also saves power | |||
| Don't let the water run! | | Windows |
| Feak leaky faucets and running toilets | | Close and fully latch in the winter |
| Install low-flow showerheads and aerators on faucets | | Insulate with blinds/curtains and/or a window insulation kit |
| Upgrade and/or downsize your hot water heater | | Caulk gaps around windows |
| Doors | | Repair cracked window panes |
| Replace or add weather stripping | | IRS tax rebate up to $600 for new windows (does not include installation) per year |
| Replace thresholds or attach sweeps |  | Appliances |
 | Check draft stoppers frequently for moisture | | Purchase or upgrade to Energy Star rated appliances |
| IRS tax rebate for $250 per door, up to $500 per year | | If you have one, use your dishwasher only when full |
| Lighting | | Check the temperature of your fridge/freezer
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| Turn off lights when not in use | | Clean out your lint filters - inside and outside- from your dryer |
| Switch to LED bulbs and Energy Star fixtures and lamps | | Clean the coils and check for leaks in the door seal |
 | Tools to Help Measure Your Energy Use Warning: Links are external to CBS's website. CBS is not responsible for content of external websites. | ||
Energy Audits An energy auditor can:
| Oct-May: ~ $0.13/kWh | Federal Incentive Finder | |
| Save Money With Federal Incentives Disclaimer: The information presented is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific tax guidance. | ||
Weatherization tax credits are available now for purchases (not installation) up to:
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Prefer to Watch?Learn More about Sitka's Energy EconomicsCheck out the full webinar series here |
This page was last updated December 19, 2024. |
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