How to 'save the watts'

How to 'save the watts'

Last Edited: Thursday, 28 Jun 2007, 7:40 AM EDT
Created: Thursday, 28 Jun 2007, 7:40 AM EDT


Florida Power wants residents to start being more careful about how much energy they use in their homes-- whether they're old or new.
Florida has seen a lot of growth in the past few decades, and that means an increased demand on electricity. When that happens, energy costs rise-- and so does your electric bill. Now, power companies statewide want to show you how to run your home more efficiently so you can save some of that cash.

Cut the electric bill with sunshine

Last Edited: Wednesday, 21 Mar 2007, 11:34 PM EDT
Created: Wednesday, 21 Mar 2007, 7:07 PM EDT

Progress Energy will start offering rebates to people who use solar power. We've got you covered



ST. PETERSBURG - Progress Energy is unveiling a new incentive to cut power bills. They will use Florida sunshine to brighten your budget.

Progress customer Colleen Clark was paying big bucks to heat her pool.

So she installed a solar heater to try to absorb some of that expense.

She ended up saving $1200 a year on her electric bill.

Now she wants to save even more, using the sun to heat the water in her house as well.

“With all the incentives going on, especially Progress Energy’s new credit incentive, that got me excited,” Clark said.

Colleen is getting a $450 rebate from Progress Energy, and another $500 from the EPA to install solar panels.

“It will heat the water in the panel, and send that water into the water heater’s tank, then as you turn your faucet in the kitchen or you turn on your shower, that hot water comes into your home,” said Progress spokeswoman Cherie Jacobs.

More good news: you can use your old water heater, and get a federal tax credit, up to $2,000.

But the set up will initially cost about $4,500.

It’s a lot of money, but some say it is an investment that is too hot to pass up.

“It can help you save money, and it can help save energy for the whole state,” Jacobs said.

Those savings could add up, considering consumers like Colleen Clark plan on cutting their monthly hot water bills in half.

“You are helping your pocket book, and you are getting a nice warm fuzzy feeling you’re helping out Mother Earth,” Clark said.

Floored by sky-high electric bills in Lakeland

Last Edited: Friday, 05 Oct 2007, 5:47 PM EDT
Created: Friday, 05 Oct 2007, 5:47 PM EDT

Lakeland electric customers are experiencing sticker shock. We've got you covered


LAKELAND - You may want to turn down the air, and turn off the fans when you're not at home. Have you looked at your electric bill lately? You may get sticker shock.

"The house is still the same, same two people, and the bill is getting bigger and bigger," said Jim Davari of Lakeland.

Davari bill just hit an all time high, even though he just spent $7,000 on energy savings devices. He installed double paned windows, shot more insulation into his attic, and now has florescent bulbs all over his house. Despite all that, he got a bill from Lakeland Electric for almost $400.

"Natural gas has increased by almost 400 percent in the last few years," said Kevin Cook, a spokesman for the utility. That cost increase is passed directly onto consumers.

Most Lakeland Electric customers got a really high bill for August, partially because it was so hot. But there's another reason. The August bill included the first week of September. They were billed for five weeks instead of four so that Lakeland Electric could pass along a decrease in the fuel charge that took effect the first week in September.

Even though the rate was lower, most people's bills were higher than usual.

Lakeland has one of the highest electric rates in the state, in part because it depends heavily on natural gas. Using coal produce to power is cheaper, but not in favor right now.

Recently, Governor Crist came out in favor of green technology like solar and wind. TECO just scrapped plans for a coal plant in Polk County because regulations governing it might be too stringent, and the cost to build it too high.

So, that leaves Davari and others frustrated.

"Something has to give," he said.