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Conservation Tips

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  1. Resources
  2. Conservation Tips

Brown County REA aims to provide the best possible electric service to all within our service area at the lowest price consistent with the highest standard of customer service. At the same time we promote the wise and beneficial use of electricity, appliances and equipment in the home, farm or business.

The first step to better energy management is understanding how your home and habits affect your bill.

How to Estimate Energy Use & Cost

Step 1 - Figure Cost/kWh

Since the cost of electricity is determined by the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) used during the billing cycle, the first step is to determine your average cost per kilowatt-hour.

Energy Charge Amount / kWh Used = Average kWh Cost

Step 2 - Figure Wattage

The wattage of an appliance (equipment) is found on the serial plate. It is possible that the electrical requirements will be expressed in volts and amps, rather than watts.

Volts X Amps = Wattage

Step 3 - Figure Cost per Appliance

Use the formula below to estimate usage and cost.

Example: A light bulb uses 100 watts and is left on for 15 hours. How many kWhs are used and what does it cost?

100 watts X 15 hours = 1500 / 1000 watts = 1.5 kWh

Cost of Application

1.5 kWh X average kWh cost = your cost

Step 4 - Find Your Daily Cost of Electricity

To find your daily cost of electricity add electricity charges up and divide by the number of days in the month.

Energy Consumption Factors Beyond Our Control

Season - Electric bills will typically jump in the summer due to air conditioner use. You may see similar increases in the winter if you heat with electricity. Electric bills tend to be lower in the spring and fall when temperatures are milder.

"Phantom" load - When you turn something off that doesn't necessarily mean it has stopped using electricity. Many electronics have a standby mode which draws an electric current even while turned off. Known as "phantom" loads, they can add up quickly. Unplug all electronics which display a clock or light when turned off, or use a smart power strip to limit phantom loads.

Vintage - Older appliances and electronic devices often draw more current than newer ones. While it can be difficult to invest in new appliances or electronic devices when you have reliable older models, the cost savings from reduced energy use can, in some cases, recoup the cost of an upgrade.

Visit energywisemn.com for more energy saving tips.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • About Your Cooperative
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Our History
    • Board of Directors
      • Board of Directors
      • Map Of Districts
    • By-Laws & Articles of Incorporation
    • Our Mission, Vision, and Values
    • The Seven Cooperative Principles
    • BCREA Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Service Area Map
    • Member Handbook
  • Calendar
  • Customer Service
    • Customer Service
    • Billing
      • Billing
      • Bill Stuffers
    • Billing Statement Explained
    • Payment Options
    • Capital Credits
    • Unclaimed Property
    • Online Account Usage Graphs
  • Resources
    • Resources
    • Energy Assistance
    • Newsletters
    • MN Cold Weather Rules
    • Outage Texting Registration
    • Estimating Energy Use & Cost
    • Touchstone Energy Brochures
    • Safety
      • Safety
      • MREA Safety Articles
    • Storm Center/Outage Map
    • Webpage Links
  • Programs & Services
    • Distributed Energy Resources
    • Load Management Programs
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Heartland Security
    • Operation Round Up®
      • Operation Round Up®
      • Operation Round Up® Scholarships
    • Rebates
    • TV Services
      • TV Services
      • FCC Applications
    • LED Yard Lights
    • Youth Tour
  • Forms
    • ACH Authorization Form
    • Agricultural Exemption Form ST3
    • CTV Enrollment Form
    • Cold Weather Form
    • Credit/Debit Card Authorization Form
    • LED Yard Light Rental Program
    • Life Support Program Form
    • Operation Round-Up Form
    • Residential Heat Exemption Form
    • Start Service
    • Stop Service
    • Update My Information
    • Wellspring Sign-Up
    • Donation Form
  • Contact Us
You inspire us to find solutions, so we can provide the energy and savings you need. Visit Touchstoneenergy.com to learn more.
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Contact Info

Brown County Rural Electric
24386 State Hwy 4
PO Box 529
Sleepy Eye, MN 56085
(800) 658-2368
(507) 794-3331

 

 

Mission

To safely provide our members with electric service at the lowest possible cost, consistent with sound business practices.

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©2023 Brown County REA. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Your Cooperative
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Our History
    • Board of Directors
      • Map Of Districts
    • By-Laws & Articles of Incorporation
    • Our Mission, Vision, and Values
    • The Seven Cooperative Principles
    • BCREA Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Service Area Map
    • Member Handbook
  • Calendar
  • Customer Service
    • Billing
      • Bill Stuffers
    • Billing Statement Explained
    • Payment Options
    • Capital Credits
    • Unclaimed Property
    • Online Account Usage Graphs
  • Resources
    • Energy Assistance
    • Newsletters
    • MN Cold Weather Rules
    • Outage Texting Registration
    • Estimating Energy Use & Cost
    • Touchstone Energy Brochures
    • Safety
      • MREA Safety Articles
    • Storm Center/Outage Map
    • Webpage Links
  • Programs & Services
    • Distributed Energy Resources
    • Load Management Programs
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Heartland Security
    • Operation Round Up®
      • Operation Round Up® Scholarships
    • Rebates
    • TV Services
      • FCC Applications
    • LED Yard Lights
    • Youth Tour
  • Forms
    • ACH Authorization Form
    • Agricultural Exemption Form ST3
    • CTV Enrollment Form
    • Cold Weather Form
    • Credit/Debit Card Authorization Form
    • LED Yard Light Rental Program
    • Life Support Program Form
    • Operation Round-Up Form
    • Residential Heat Exemption Form
    • Start Service
    • Stop Service
    • Update My Information
    • Wellspring Sign-Up
    • Donation Form
  • Contact Us