Enjoy the Holiday Season and Save Money By: Addie Armato The holiday season always brings a long list of tasks: shopping, Christmas card writing, cooking and baking, attending parties and gatherings. Along with that list of tasks, comes a great deal of spending. During these economic hard times, we can still celebrate and remember why this time of year is so special. Here are some simple energy efficiency tips for this holiday season. It will save you money, but also help you to relax and truly enjoy the meaning of this time of year. Now take this list and check it off for a very enjoyable, but energy efficient night of entertainment: Pick a night to spend with your loved ones. Turn the heater down and grab some warm clothes and blankets. The recommended setting is 68 degrees. Gather in the living room or family room. Turn off all the lights in your home except those energy efficient LED holiday decorations. Pick a movie that has the true meaning of the season. “Faith, Hope and Love!” Press the play button on your Energy Star television and DVD player. Now that is how you can spend time together that does not cost a lot of money, but is something everyone in the family can enjoy. Using less energy preserves energy resources while saving money on energy bills. An energy-efficient gift is truly a gift that keeps on giving! For more information, visit www.eere.energy.gov or www.energystar.gov. Source: ENERGY STAR, U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy If you would like more information on energy efficiency ideas, Pointe Coupee Electric can help you by providing brochures and other literature. We also offer residential energy efficiency seminars for groups of eight or more. If you would like more information about the seminars, please call the Member Services Department at 225-638-3751.