Take the 6 Degrees of Energy Efficiency Challenge

Some people need a little extra push to get into the habit of conserving energy. Since there is nothing better than a little challenge to get people motivated, I want to share this one with our readers.

The Alliance to Save Energy, the American Gas Association (AGA), The Dow Chemical Company Inc., and 29 additional Power is in Your Hands partners have launched the 6° of Energy Efficiency Challenge to promote energy-efficiency and encourage people to decrease wasteful energy use.

The Alliance says that average U.S. households will pay nearly $5,000 to power their homes and vehicles this year—32 percent greater than just two years ago.  The Energy Information Administration estimates that America's families will spend an average of $902 on heating their homes this winter.

"Natural gas utilities want households to know there are plenty of simple steps they can take to lower their home heating bills this winter, from adding weather-stripping, to checking the efficiency of their furnaces, or spreading out their winter bills by signing up with their local utility for a level-payment program. 'Six Degrees of Energy Efficiency' truly does put the power in the hands of the consumer," said David N. Parker, President and CEO of AGA. "Natural gas utilities are proud to be a part of this campaign."

"Every consumer has a part to play in energy efficiency," said Peter Molinaro, vice president of government affairs for Dow Chemical. "We are proud to support the 6?? of Energy Efficiency Challenge because it demonstrates that each person's energy use has a much wider impact. By linking us all together, we help turn small steps into big change."

Taking the challenge is easy to do. Just visit the interactive 6° Challenge Web site, www.sixdegreechallenge.org to get started.