A MESSAGE FROM YOUR GENERAL MANAGER/CEO

GARY RAYBON

Holiday Safety & Savings Tips for a Joyful Season

It’s hard to believe the holiday season is already here, and we’ll soon be gathering with family and friends to celebrate. This festive time of year brings joy and warmth, but as the weather gets cooler and we spend more time indoors, the holidays can also bring increased energy use and a higher risk of electrical and fire hazards.

Your Home Team at Wharton County Electric Cooperative cares about your well-being, so this month I’d like to share a few practical tips to help you stay safe and efficient during the holiday season. 

Safety First

My family really enjoys decorating our home for the holidays. But before we deck the halls, I always check electrical cords and light strands to make sure they aren’t frayed or damaged. This gives us peace of mind, knowing our holiday lights are ready to safely brighten our home. I also double-check the lights we use outside to make sure they’re rated for outdoor use. 

Like many households, we also enjoy holiday-scented candles. While festive, candles can be fire hazards and should never be left unattended. 

One of the best and easiest ways to safeguard your home is to test smoke alarms often. I test mine on the first of each month, so it’s easy to remember. Testing smoke alarms only takes a few seconds and could save lives, so make it a habit. 

Season for Savings

Spending more time indoors with more guests in the home can really impact energy use. By taking a few small steps to save energy during the holiday season, you can minimize the effect on your power bill.

I like to remind my family members to mind the thermostat. Since heating and cooling makes up the majority of home energy consumption, the thermostat is one of the best places for savings. 

On those chilly days, lower it a few degrees, especially when you have family or friends stopping by. Good company brings additional warmth to your home—and so do the oven and stove.

There’s no denying one of the best parts of the holiday season is the food—not just the meals but the time we spend together in the kitchen. There are many ways to save in the heart of your home, but one of the best approaches is to cook with smaller countertop appliances, such as air fryers, slow cookers and toaster ovens. 

These handy appliances consume a fraction of the energy used to heat the oven, creating the perfect recipe for mealtime and energy savings. If you do use the oven, plan to cook several dishes at the same time.

Your family can also save energy by decorating with LED holiday lights. LEDs are the most energy-efficient lighting option available, and they last much longer than traditional bulbs.

I hope you’ll implement some of these energy-saving and safety tips into your holiday plans. For additional advice, visit our website. We’re here to help you with safety and savings year-round. 

Your friends at WCEC hope your holiday season is merry and bright.