Review Your Energy Bill

When you talk about higher energy prices when you review your energy bill, do the kids really understand what's going on? Do your children really know why leaving lights on and the refrigerator door open is such a waste?

One way to teach the next generation about energy conservation is to talk about the energy bill. This doesn't have to be a detailed talk but just enough to let your kids know what you see every month.

For the first few months, have the family get used to what the bill looks like and understand the information it provides.

~When, if any, are peak hours for your billing method?

~Who is/are your energy provider(s)?

Once your children are familiar with the vocabulary and layout of the bill, you can begin discussing trends in your family's energy usage.

~Do you use more in the summer or in the winter? Why?

~Do you use more energy during peak hours or non peak hours?

~Are your energy rates increasing, decreasing or staying the same?

It may take some effort in the beginning to establish this monthly review of the energy bill but it doesn't have to be time consuming. The idea is to have a regular time to talk about energy. The more children learn early, the better equipped they will be to save.

More On Getting Children and Teens Involved

Use these discussion topics to start an energy saving conversation.

Try some online and offline energy games and activities. Your children just might have some fun learning about energy!

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