Plumas County is cutting energy costs by shifting when county buildings use electricity.
The Health and Human Services Department lowered its utility bill by $17,000 in three months. Dustin Vert, maintenance supervisor for county facilities, says the county could save $200,000 over a year. These savings come from changes at the HHS building, sheriff’s office, and animal shelter.
The key is using electricity during lower-rate times. Vert compares it to doing laundry after 9 p.m. when electricity costs less. This simple change spreads out energy use and avoids expensive peak hours.
The county fairgrounds saved $3,700 in one month alone. Vert expects $60,000 in savings at the sheriff’s office over the next year.
What small changes could you make in your own energy use to save money? Are there ways to shift your electricity use that might reduce your bills? Plumas County’s example shows that timing matters for energy costs, and adjusting when you use electricity can lead to real savings.
