---

A free program, launched last year by Excel Energy offering residents free Power Check energy meters, is expanding this year to an increased number of libraries in Minnesota including the Margaret Welch Library in Longville. The meters can be checked out for home use.

Consumers plug the meters into home appliances to learn how much energy they're using. They work on any standard 120-volt electric appliance and are easy to use. They record electrical usage in watts, capture surge readings, and display the cost of energy used in dollars. The meters can be plugged into home computers to graph energy use and determine what changes can be made to save the most energy.



[[In-content Ad]]According to Excel Energy Market Manager Chris Dierker, the programs main goals are to help consumers understand more about their own energy use and to help them identify how they can save money and be more efficient with electricity in their homes.

"It doesn't take significant behavior changes to make a difference in home energy use and costs," Dierker said. "Some people report saving as much as 10 to 20 percent of their electric bill, just from what they learned by using the meters."

Some of the biggest energy-wasters are plugged in appliances and power strips that are not in use, but continue to consume energy. Other culprits can be identified with Power Check meters are older refrigerators that are not as energy efficient as newer models.

Contact the Margaret Welch Library in Longville for a Power Check Meter or for more information call 218-363-2710. More information on how to save energy can be found at: ResponsibleByNature.com and click on the Energy Smart tab.

---