The cheapest kilowatt is the one you don't use.

Energy efficiency means using less energy to achieve the same result. For example, using CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights) instead of traditional incandescent lightbulbs produces the same amount of light but uses less energy. This is not the same as energy conservation, though both are ways to save money. Here are a few ways to use energy efficiency to help you save money:

• Switch to Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs). The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that each CFL saves the average American $30 in electricity costs over its lifetime. Since Cordova's electricity prices are twice the U.S. average, you can save around $60 in energy per light bulb! CFLs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
• Make your whole house more energy efficient. Tribal members can enroll in NVE's weatherization program. The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation also offers weatherization rebates to members who do not qualify for NVE's weatherization program. Contact NVE at 424-7738 for more information.
• Unplug electronics such as your computer, stereo, or television when they're not in use. Even turned off, these electronics are drawing a small amount of power that can add up over time. This "phantom load" is higher if the electronic has a light or clock display. You can also plug electronics into a power strip and turn off the power strip when they're not in use.
• Turn your water heater down by a few degrees. Water heaters account for 14-25% of household energy use. Turning the temperature down by a few degrees will save you money and is barely noticeable.

Further resources
For more tips and information, check out these pages:
Renewable Energy Alaska Project's Energy Efficiency page: a good resource for Alaska-specific information.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy homepage: The U.S. Department of Energy's guide to energy efficiency. Lots of information, but not all of it is applicable to Alaska.