Choosing renewable power supports the development of renewable energy sources, which can reduce the burning of fossil fuels. Greater reliance on renewable sources also provides economic benefits and can improve national energy security.

Sign up for Lower Valley Energy's 100% Green Energy, produced primarily from Wyoming's Pleasant Valley wind farm near Evanston and Idaho's Horse Butte wind farm south of Idaho Falls. LVE also purchases renewable energy certificates (RECs). A REC is created when a megawatt-hour of renewable energy is produced and delivered to the grid. RECs increase demand for, and drive development of, more renewable energy sources. 100% Green Energy is a special rate of 6.8 cents per kWh versus the standard 5.6 cents/kWh for residential electricity.

Lighting typically accounts for 5-10% of household energy use, and LED bulbs require only 10% of the energy required by traditional incandescents and 50% required by CFLs. LEDs provide far higher-quality light compared to CFLs, don't contain toxic mercury, and last 10 times longer than both incandescents and CFLs. LEDs are the easiest way to reduce your energy consumption.

Appliance use accounts for about 15% of our household energy costs, with refrigeration, cooking, dishwashing, and laundry at the top of the list. Set your current appliances to eco-friendly modes, e.g., set your refrigerator to the highest temperature, and ensure you properly maintain them. When you shop for a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR® label, which is found on products that exceed minimum federal standards by a substantial amount. Use smart power strips to turn off appliances when not in use.

Water Heating typically accounts for 20% of our home's energy use, second only to heating. Simple tips to reduce hot water use include: 

• Install low-flow shower heads. 

• Let your efficient dishwasher do the work in the kitchen. 

• Set your water heater temperature to 120°.

• When shopping for a new water heater, look for the ENERGY STAR® label for substantial energy savings.

• Consider installing a heat pump water heater or solar water heater for the most environmentally friendly options.

We live in one of the coldest environments in the United States and heating makes up about 60% of our home energy use.

• Install a programmable thermostat.

• Ensure baseboard heaters are not blocked by furniture.

• Properly seal windows and doors.

• Improve your insulation and replace windows with double- or triple-pane options. 

• Use the most efficient heating system possible - look at installing an air-source heat pump.

• Find out how ECW can help finance your home efficiency project through a Home Efficiency Loan.

Once you've made your home as efficient as possible and signed up for Lower Valley Energy's 100% Green Energy, produce your own energy with rooftop solar or new Tesla solar shingles. You can also store your clean power with home battery storage for use overnight and at peak grid times.

Jackson Hole hosts five million visitors annually, and conservation started here with the establishment of Yellowstone National Park, the world's first National Park. We have the unique opportunity to set the right example of modern conservation for our visitors, amplifying the impact of our efforts nationally and globally.