U.S. Department of Energy and Ad Council Launch Consumer Education Campaign: Save Money By Saving Energy

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Ad Council today launched a national consumer education campaign to help consumers save money on utility bills. Created pro bono by Texas-based advertising agency GSD&M, the public service advertisements (PSAs) aim to help consumers save money on their energy bills by doing things such as sealing leaks in their homes and using energy efficient products.

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"Americans spend about $2000 per household on energy every year – but many of them could save a few hundred of that without changing their lifestyle," said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "Many American families can take simple steps to reduce their energy bill, while making their homes more comfortable, and use that money for something they really need or want."

The PSAs direct homeowners to energysavers.gov, where they can find tools and information to help them make their homes more efficient. Energy-saving tips on the website include:

• Saving more than $100 a year on heating and cooling bills by using a programmable thermostat to make sure you are only conditioning your home when you need to be;
• Upgrading 15 of the traditional light bulbs in your home, which could save you about $50 per year; and
• Using Energy Star qualified appliances to save even more.

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with DOE on this vital energy efficiency campaign," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "These PSAs will demonstrate to homeowners nationwide the variety of energy efficient alternatives that can provide sustainable savings over time."

"We have a long history with, and are committed to supporting, the Ad Council on public issues affecting our nation," said Duff Stewart, president and CEO of GSD&M. "That's why we are honored to partner with the U.S. Department of Energy on the topic of energy efficiency and to help communicate easy ways to save money at home."

Following the Ad Council's model, the announcements will be distributed to media outlets nationwide and will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

To see tips and the ads prepared as part of the campaign, visit energysavers.gov.

The U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy stands at the forefront of the United States' effort to meet energy and environment, scientific, and national security goals. DOE works to meet growing energy demand with clean, safe, affordable, reliable and diverse supplies of energy through scientific discovery and investments with partners to push new technology rapidly into the marketplace. Among many other roles, the Department also supports American economic growth by promoting energy efficiency practices in homes, businesses and industry.  For more information, visit www.energy.gov.

The Advertising Council

The Ad Council is a non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action, and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org.

GSD&M

GSD&M is an advertising agency celebrating its 40th year of helping some of the world's most iconic brands win by articulating and activating their core purpose – the difference a brand strives to make in its customers' lives. GSD&M is part of Omnicom Group, Inc. For more information, visit GSDM.com.  

SOURCE The Ad Council