Conserving Energy & Cutting Energy Costs

The Loudoun County government’s Energy Manager, Najib Salehi, reminds
residents and businesses that making small changes can add up to a big
difference in energy usage.

“Everyone can be his or her own energy manager,” Salehi said. “As drops of
water can make rivers, it’s true with energy. We make decisions every day in
our lives that can reduce carbon emissions, the energy we use and our carbon
footprint. We can make a world of difference.” Salehi says some of the
small things people can do are:

. Turn off unnecessary lights
. Turn off computers when not in use
. Fix leaky faucets and leaky windows
. Install window shades on the sunny side of the house
. Carpool
. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs

Purchasing energy efficient products will be a little easier this weekend.
In connection with Energy Efficiency & Conservation Month, the state of
Virginia has declared Friday, October 10 through Monday, October 13, 2008,
as Virginia’s ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday. All eligible retailers who
carry ENERGY STAR qualified products will suspend sales tax on these
qualified products that cost up to $2,500 or less:

. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs )
. Ceiling fans
. Clothes washers
. Dehumidifiers
. Dishwashers
. Programmable thermostats
. Refrigerators
. Room air conditioners

Also on Wednesday, October 8, the Board of Supervisors Ad Hoc Committee on
Energy Efficiency will hold a “listening session” from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in
the Board Room of the county government center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E. in
Leesburg.

More information about energy efficiency and conservation in Loudoun County,
including energy conservation tips for the upcoming winter, is available on
the county website at www.loudoun.gov/energy.