Climate change is a growing concern in North America. We’re already seeing some of its consequences, with warmer temperatures and more extreme, less predictable weather over the past decade. Nevertheless, we continue to burn massive amounts of fossil fuels to satisfy our energy needs, sending troublesome levels of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. How can we best combat the phenomenon? Numerous studies show that energy efficiency is the cheapest, easiest way to meet our climate goals.

Inexpensive to Deploy

The climate goals of the United States are currently defined through the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan, which dictates CO2 levels that states need to meet by 2030. In a recent report, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) assessed six different studies on the effects of the new rules. In all six, there is a common thread – improving our efficiency is the most cost-effective way to achieve the standards.

The studies were conducted by a variety of different observers: the EPA, the Clean Air Task Force, Energy Ventures Analysis, National Economic Research Associates (NERA), the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Rhodium/Center for Strategic and International Studies.

“Despite starting with different assumptions, all of the studies project that energy efficiency will be the most used and least-cost option for states to implement the plan, and that overall electricity consumption will decline as a result,” C2ES fellow Jason Ye writes on the organization's blog. “In addition to being relatively inexpensive to deploy on its own, energy efficiency reduces the need to build new, costly power plants in the future.”

Show Me the Money

The average consumer might be more worried about what the plan means for their household utility bills. Fortunately, the news isn’t too bad; the plan could cost the average home as much as $87 per year, or 25 cents a day – nothing to sneeze at, but not crippling to the family budget, either.

More optimistic forecasts project that households could actually save money under the Clean Power Plan. The savings would be due to an increased reliance on cheap renewable energy as well as investments in household efficiency technology, which would reduce the amount of consumption and therefore lower utility bills.

The total savings could be much greater. None of the plans take into account the savings the nation could realize by averting some of the more devastating impacts of climate change, nor do they assess improved health care outcomes that could result from a reduction in airborne pollution.

Take Climate Change Into Your Own Hands

You don't have to wait until 2030 to do your part in the fight against climate change. Look for some easy ways that you can reduce your energy consumption around the home, or ask an electrician to conduct an energy audit and point out even more ways you can cut back. The environment, not to mention your pocketbook, will thank you.

Electricity is something we can’t manage without, but it’s crucial to take due care while using it. When it comes to electrical safety, you can never be too careful, and it’s important to ensure that the electrical systems, wiring, fixtures and fittings in your home have been installed by a licensed and insured electrician.

The same level of care has to be maintained when you are using any electrical appliance and you must ensure that you don’t overload the system while operating any of them. It’s very common for people to use extension cords in their homes and not many property owners feel these electrical accessories should be included in their safety checklist.

If an extension cord is used continuously under the wrong conditions, it can potentially lead to electrical shock or even an electrical fire. We have put together a few extension cord safety tips:

The other important thing you should keep in mind is that you should never join two or more extension cords together. This can be very dangerous because that can cause a drop in the voltage in the cords; this reduces the effectiveness of the circuit breakers and safety switches in your home; in turn, this can result in an overload.

If this occurs, the strength of the actual current that’s flowing in the cords can damage appliances which can create a fire hazard & potentially cause electrocution. While an extension cord can be quite helpful in effectively delivering power to points where you need it; never forget that using an extension cord is just a temporary measure and shouldn’t be used to provide permanent power.

Some would argue and say that they have been using extension cords for years without any trouble; however, that doesn’t really mean it won’t compromise the electrical safety in your home, when you plug it in the next time. If you find you are using too many extension cords around your home, it’s an indication that there aren’t enough power outlets in your home, to cover your needs.

It’s best to call in an electrician, discuss your electrical requirements and get them to assess whether the existing installations meet them. For more information, simply speak with the experts at Allround Electrical and take their advice on various aspects of CBUS installations. The number to call is – 1300 169 263. You can also write to us at this email address.

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