Online energy center offers money-saving tips

Pedernales Electric invites members to visit its web site and explore the PEC Home Energy Center for personalized advice on how to conserve electricity and save on monthly bills. The service is free, and conservation information is customized to each user's input.

"Our members have asked us to support conservation efforts," said PEC Information Technology Manager Luis Garcia, "and the online PEC Home Energy Center helps do so in a way that is unique and relevant to each member. Home size, appliances and several other criteria allow the system to give mem- bers the specific information they need to help reduce electric use."

Users complete a short survey during registration that is used to compile a comprehensive report detailing how they can save electricity and money. Many of the tips cost little or nothing to implement, and cost estimates are included with each tip along with the amount that can be saved.

By the end of August, more than 1,100 members had created profiles in the PEC Home Energy Center. The site is found at www.pec.- coop in the "Services" section.