The more electricity we use, the more power plants we will need and if we have to build more electricity plants it will mean using up lot more resources and possibly destroying forests or rivers. Ultimately saving power will end up saving the environment! Here’s how you can help… In the summer and winter our electricity bills are huge because we use air conditioners, heaters, fans and the likes..

See that your air conditioner or heater is not turned up too high. Try not to use either your heater or your air conditioner all day. Use a fan whenever possible.

Check the rubber seals on your refrigerator door. Put a 10 or 20 rupee note between the door and then close it. If the rupee slides down the seal is not tight.

Don’t have all your houselights on. Only put on the lights in the area in which you are sitting..

Check for cracks or breaks in your window and door frames — these will let in the outside air and make your air conditioners and heaters work even more at keeping your space either cool or warm.

Turn off lights every time you leave a room. Likewise turn off your kitchen or other gadgets when they are not in use. Turn off your computer if you are going to be away for long periods.

Replace incandescent lamps, with compact fluorescent lights(CFLs). While more expensive to purchase, they pay for themselves with time, taking 1/4 of the power and having a life of 7 to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs. They also generate much less heat which is a big bonus during the summer.

Use curtains and shades on your windows, to keep the heat in during the winter.

Do not keep your Television, DVD player etc on standby mode as they are still guzzling power. Switch them off.

Have a Hair dryer? Use it sparingly and don’t use the maximum heat setting.