Three Steps to a More Climate-Friendly Home
Here in Eugene, we are fortunate to have access to clean, abundant power and water. But climate change poses risks to our community's energy and drinking water supplies and infrastructure.
As the climate changes, rising temperatures and extreme weather events impact the availability, reliability and costs of the energy and water our community relies on. You might be surprised to learn that you can take meaningful steps at home to help mitigate the impacts of climate change, many of which will save you money over time while reducing carbon emissions.
Step #1: Use less energy. Energy conservation and efficiency is the cheapest and fastest way to help the climate. Homes that use less energy rely less on the grid and produce lower greenhouse gas emissions. Insulating homes, installing LED lighting and upgrading to high-efficiency electric heating and cooling systems offer the added benefit of increasing comfort while saving money. We offer rebates and loans to help with efficiency upgrades for homes and businesses.
Step #2: Use energy off peak. Although EWEB's energy portfolio is composed almost entirely of carbon-free power, we are part of a highly integrated regional energy grid that includes coal and natural gas. When the highest ("peak") level of electricity is being used in the region, there is more of this carbon-intensive energy on the grid. Shifting your energy use to "off peak" can be as simple as running the dishwasher, charging your electric car, or doing the laundry later at night (after 9 p.m.) or mid-day (between noon and 5 p.m). Learn more about peak power.
Step #3: Watch your water use. It takes a lot of energy to treat and deliver the water you use every day. It takes even more energy to turn it into hot water. Saving water saves energy, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Fixing leaks around the house, taking shorter showers, and planting "water wise" landscapes are also great ways to take care of our water source, the beautiful McKenzie River.
