Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey Recognizes Energy Efficiency Day

In recognition of the 5th annual national Energy Efficiency Day on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, Mississippi’s Central District Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey is joining regional and national organizations, businesses, utilities, universities and individuals in promoting energy efficiency – the cheapest, quickest way to meet our energy needs, cut utility bills and reduce pollution. “On September 22, I signed a proclamation proclaiming today as Mississippi’s 1st annual Energy Efficiency Day,” Commissioner Bailey said. “I encourage citizens to join us in supporting our clean energy goals and moving toward more energy efficiency now and in the future in Mississippi.” Smarter energy use means we don’t have to generate or consume as much energy to meet our needs. Many people don’t realize that Mississippi has already made significant, forward-thinking investments in energy savings measures. We would like to highlight some of those who continue to be proficient in practicing energy efficiency in our state: Mississippi State University is one of many entities who has made incredible efforts to be more energy efficient in Mississippi. The university replaced fluorescent lighting with more efficient LED technology in 22 central-campus buildings. The project improved lighting quality, reduced overall energy consumption and is expected to last more than 15 years. Nissan’s Canton plant has overhauled their paint process to minimize their drying time, cutting energy usage by more than 0%. They also switched to all LED lighting. Just those two changes together save enough energy each year to power 511 homes. Mississippi poultry producers, typically contract producers who can only control the costs of their energy, have used grant money in the past to improve energy efficiency and lower the cost to heat and cool their broiler houses by upgrading to more efficient controls and building components. “There are many ways you can practice energy efficiency in your own home and business,” Commissioner Bailey said. “Reducing the energy used by manufacturers, homes and businesses benefits everyone– especially energy bill-payers. The average household saves almost $500 yearly thanks to efficiency standards that apply to new appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators and water heaters, alone.” Learn more about the vital benefits of energy efficiency at www.energyefficiencyday.org.