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| Ask the Northwest utility company you are comparing who has to confirm your decision to change suppliers. Having someone confirm you are switching protects you against being moved to a new supplier without your permission. This is often called “slamming.” Connect Northwest utilities online. |
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| To save as much as hundreds of dollars a year on electricity make certain that any new appliances you purchase, especially air conditioners and furnaces, are energy-efficient. Information on the energy efficiency of major appliances is found on Energy Guide Labels required by federal law and often can be found at the website of your Northwest utility company. Check with your electric utility to learn if it has a program to help reduce the costs of any appliance purchases. Compare companies and connect your Northwest utilities online. |
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| Make sure that the Northwest utility company has a license. Do this by checking with the state agency that regulates electricity. Connect Northwest utilities online. This protects you from dealing with fraudulent companies that take your money and run because they can’t legally do business in your state. |
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| Install a programmable thermostat to save money with your Northwest utility company. You can save up to 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10% to 15% while you are away during the day, on vacation or sleeping. Connect Northwest utilities online. |
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| If a Northwest utility company offers a lease on equipment, it is usually best to buy instead of lease. You will usually save money by buying your phones instead of leasing them. |
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| Choose Energy Star® appliances and electronics to save money with your Northwest utility company. When buying new appliances, choose Energy Star®-certified models. For example, a new Energy Star®-refrigerator uses about 20% less energy than a standard new refrigerators, and 46% less than one made in 1980. A new Energy Star® clothes washer uses nearly 50% less energy than a standard washer. Connect Northwest utilities online. |
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| Try energy-efficient cooking–flat-bottom pans, clean burner reflectors, pressure cooker, preparing several foods in the oven at the same time; use small appliances for small cooking jobs to save money with your Northwest utility company. Connect Northwest utilities online. |
