PSE&G Offers Energy-Saving Tips to Small Business Owners

NEWARK, N.J., Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- PSE&G knows that small business owners face unique challenges, especially in a difficult economy. The utility offers tips for managing energy usage and controlling costs.

Some ideas to consider:

• Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs – CFLs. They use 75 percent less electricity and burn more coolly than regular bulbs.
• Retrofit T12 lights with magnetic ballasts to T8 lights with electronic ballasts.
• Install motion detectors to control lighting in areas that aren't occupied all the time, like restrooms, conference rooms and break rooms.
• Lower your thermostat and save. For every degree you lower the thermostat, you can save 3 percent on your heating bill.
• Install electronic time clocks or setback-programmable thermostats.
• Clean condenser coils on a regular basis. Replace air filters and check ducts and pipe insulation for damage.
• Make sure you have good door seals on refrigerated display cases. A bad seal can allow cold air to escape and waste energy by increasing the run time.

Even small steps can save energy:

• Turn off lights and office equipment at night and on weekends. If you can't turn off the whole computer, turn off the monitor and printer. Electronic devices draw power even when they're in standby mode.
• When you're buying computers, monitors, printers, fax machines and copiers, consider ENERGY STAR models that power down when they're not being used.

To view demonstrations of how to save money in your small business, visit PSEG's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/psegvideo. We encourage you to share the information with colleagues and friends.  And for additional ways to save energy and money, visit www.pseg.com/saveenergy.        

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population.  PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability.  PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG), a diversified energy company (www.pseg.com).

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SOURCE Public Service Electric & Gas Company (PSE&G)