WESTERN SAN JUANS – San Miguel Power Association, Inc. kicked off its new energy tracking program, Watch-A-Watt, this week, providing members access to electronic devices called, Kill A Watts, which measure the kilowatt hour consumption of various home appliances.

SMPA is donating three Kill A Watts to each library within their service territory. All members will have the ability to check out the device just as they would a library book.

Kill A Watt devices will be available at public libraries in Ridgway, Ouray, Silverton, Telluride, Norwood, Naturita, Nucla and Rico.

The Kill A Watt is a simple device that measures the kilowatt hour usage, among other things, of an individual household appliance. Plug an appliance, such as a television or refrigerator, into the Kill A Watt, which is plugged into your typical household outlet and it will show you what your appliance is using in kilowatt hours – the same measurement used by SMPA on electricity bills.

“One of the most common challenges for people is recognizing what is using electricity in their home. The lights may be off and no one home, but if something is plugged in it is using power,” said SMPA General Manager Kevin Ritter. “Our Watch-A-Watt program will help members identify exactly what is using power in their home. It’s different for everyone.”

According to SMPA, old appliances, especially water heaters, washing machines and refrigerators, are some of the most common culprits of high energy usage. Next on the list are electric space heaters. Used sparingly and in small spaces, space heaters can do their job well, but all too often they are used as an alternative, rather than a supplement, to a heating system. They become energy hogs when they are relied upon heat a large space for too long. 

Contact your local library for Kill A Watt availability and check out policies, which may vary between organizations. For more information, visit www.smpa.com. Information about the Watch-A-Watt program is located under the energy efficiency menu tab.

 

San Miguel Power Association, Inc. is a member owned, locally controlled rural electric cooperative with offices in Nucla and Ridgway, Colo. It is the mission of San Miguel Power Association, Inc. to demonstrate corporate responsibility and community service while providing safe, reliable, cost effective and  environmentally responsible electrical service. SMPA serves approximately 9,600 members and 13,000 meters and supports local communities with $200,000 annually in property taxes.