This holiday season, Ameren Missouri customers have more ways than ever to save energy and money by buying ENERGY STAR-qualified products, shopping at ENERGY STAR-qualified stores and staying at ENERGY STAR-qualified hotels.
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that works to help consumers save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Shopping for ENERGY STAR products is easy--just look for the blue label. It's on more than 60 product categories and thousands of models. An ENERGY STAR-qualified product incorporates advanced technologies that use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models. The average home has two TVs, three phones and a DVD player. Replacing those old gadgets with ENERGY STAR-qualified models could save more than 25 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions a year. That’s equal to taking more than two million cars off the road!
In addition, almost 150 retail companies, including Target, Verizon Wireless, Staples and JCPenney, have teamed up with the EPA to ensure many of those companies' retail locations are managing their energy use wisely, lowering their utility bills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Finally, before hitting the road, look for lodging at ENERGY STAR-qualified hotels. These hotels use at least 35 percent less energy and emit at least 35 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than their peers. And once checked in, consider turning off the TV when leaving the room, adjusting the thermostat to an energy-saving setting, unplugging electronics, opening the curtains to use the sun's heat, and re-using linens and towels, whenever possible, to save both water and energy. Simple actions can add up to big savings for the environment and for the bottom line.
For more on programs to help customers control energy usage and cost, go to Uefficiency.com.
Contacts: Lisa Manzo, 314-554-6157; Ameren Missouri Media Hotline, 1-866-246-4234
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Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than a century, and our electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. We serve 1.2 million electric and 126,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. Our mission is to meet their energy needs in a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Our service area covers 63 counties and more than 500 towns, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit AmerenMissouri.com.