If you’re like most Americans, you’re interested in saving money on energy costs and in doing your part to help the environment. But wouldn’t it be great if you could do both? Well, you can. It’s through a concept called “beneficial electrification.” 

This means that innovations in energy technologies are creating new ways to use electricity instead of on-site fossil fuels, such as propane, natural gas and fuel oil, in a way that reduces overall emissions and energy costs. 

In essence, by virtue of being plugged into the grid, the environmental performance of electric devices improves over time. As LaGrange County REMC and other utilities shift to more options that include renewable energy sources to make existing generation technologies cleaner, electricity will require less fossil fuel per kilowatt-hour of energy produced. 

Here’s how this concept impacts you: When LaGrange County REMC takes advantage of advances in technology and the market, it means those efficiencies are inherently passed along to you, the member. 

Electricity is  getting cleaner 

Because large appliances have a typical lifespan of about 10 years, it means that you can benefit from the flexibility of the grid in addition to the increased efficiency of the appliance. In other words, the high efficiency electric oven you have today could be powered by renewable sources soon. This would not be the case with gas appliances where you are essentially locked into the technology of that gas appliance for the 10-year lifespan. 

Small steps help the environment

For consumers and homeowners looking for more environmentally friendly options, choosing electric appliances, tools and cars over those powered by fossil fuels is an easy solution. Whether through electric lawn mowers, blowers and weed whackers, or through electric water heaters and other appliances, beneficial electrification is a means to reducing greenhouse gases and helping our environment. 

Doing our part to help the environment

As the overall energy sector continues to evolve, LaGrange County REMC is striving to take advantage of the advances in technology and the opportunities of the market as they become available. 

We will also continue promoting energy efficiency through our Power Moves® program, which offers rebates for energy efficient heating and cooling, water heaters, new construction and more. In addition, through our LaGrange County REMC app, we offer our members the convenience and ability to manage and monitor their energy use. And don’t forget about signing up for our Co-op Solar or EnviroWatts programs!

While each member’s reduction might be small, together, they can lead to significant savings of money and emissions, and that means a brighter future for all of us.