Energy Efficiency
Search for your questions using the categories to the right. Don’t see it? No problem. Ask it using the “Have a Question?” button to the right. An Oncor representative will e-mail you, letting you know that Oncor experts are working on finding your answer. It’s just one more way Oncor is working to become a trusted adviser to the people we serve.
You can also visit www.takealoadofftexas.com for more information about Oncor’s energy efficiency programs.
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Why does Oncor care about energy efficiency? Isn’t selling electricity how Oncor makes money?
Energy conservation is important because it will help reduce the state’s electricity demand, lessening the need for new power plants and transmission lines. The state of Texas requires every electric delivery company like Oncor to develop programs that help consumers conserve and funds the programs through charges paid by Retail Electric Providers operating in Texas. Oncor has lowered energy use in its service territory every year since its energy efficiency programs began. From 2002 to 2009, Oncor’s energy efficiency programs have saved enough electricity to power more than 109,000 homes and have caused annual greenhouse gas emission reductions equal to removing more than 255,000 cars from Texas highways.
-Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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How can I conserve electricity?
Some useful tips to conserve electricity are:
- During the summer, keep your thermostat on 78 degrees or above.
- During the winter, keep your thermostat on 68 degrees or below.
- In the summer, keep your window coverings closed during the hottest part of the day.
- Turn off lights whenever you leave a room.
- Certain electronics, such as a cell phone charger, continue to use a small amount of power when they are plugged in, even if they are turned off and not in use As long as these "phantom" loads are plugged in they still consume small amounts of electricity. That adds up when they are on 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Phantom loads can be avoided by unplugging the electronic equipment from the wall outlet or by plugging them into a power strip and using the switch on the power strip to cut off all power to the equipment.
These are just a few tips you can use; however, you can also visit www.takealoadofftexas.com for more of Oncor’s energy efficiency tips.
-Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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Can Oncor perform an energy audit?
Oncor cannot perform an energy audit because it is considered a competitive service, and, under deregulation rules, Oncor is not allowed to perform this type of service. Oncor, however, has a program administered by third-party providers that does offer an energy audit. The audit is done by a trained service provider following approved standards. Oncor provides incentives to buy-down the audit, but there is still a cost to the homeowner for the comprehensive audit. The final audit report provides information a homeowner needs to make informed decisions on how to make their home as energy efficient as possible. Many other energy audits are available but most are not as comprehensive or done to a common set of standards as the ones done through Oncor’s program. There are other providers that provide assessments, but these are not energy audits. Information regarding Oncor’s energy audit program, Oncor’s other energy efficiency programs and energy conservation tips can be found at www.takealoadofftexas.com. If you do not have access to a computer, you may call 1.866.728.3674 for more information.
-Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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How much electricity do my appliances use?
Appliance usage depends on the appliance, the size, how long it is on and how it is used. When purchased, most appliances will indicate how much electricity the appliance will use with normal usage. There are several variables that contribute to how much an appliance will use. Visit www.takealoadofftexas.com for information on conserving electricity.
-Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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How much insulation do I need in my attic?
The amount of insulation you would need depends on your climate, type of cooling and heating system and your attic. For information specific to your home, contact a qualified service company for a consultation. Many companies will provide an evaluation at no charge. For a list of providers, visit Oncor’s energy efficiency Web site at www.takealoadofftexas.com.
-Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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What programs does Oncor have for student education regarding energy savings?
Oncor is a leader in energy efficiency programs statewide. Energy conservation is important because it will help reduce the state’s electricity demand, lessening the need for new power plants and transmission lines.
For students, Oncor offers the hands-on LivingWise® Program, designed to educate sixth-grade science students about using energy and water resources wisely. This flexible and turnkey program provides teachers with education materials, lesson plans, activity books and other engaging activities that can be used inside and outside the classroom to help teachers, kids and parents/guardians alike can get excited about the benefits of using less energy and helping to protect the environment. Program content supports Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), builds science and math skills and increases knowledge of energy efficiency. Every student receives his or her own Energy Savings Kit which includes items such as compact fluorescent light bulbs and faucet aerators that will help students apply their classroom lessons in their homes quickly and easily.
If you have a sixth grade science class, contact Oncor’s program implementer, Resource Action Programs, at 1.866.905.5778 for information about school eligibility.
To find out more information about this or any of Oncor’s energy efficiency programs, visit www.takealoadofftexas.com or e-mail eecustinfo@oncor.com.
-Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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What is the status of the solar PV program that I heard about recently?
Oncor's Solar Photovoltaic (PV) program provides incentives for the installation of qualifying residential solar PV installations. Currently, Oncor’s residential solar PV program is fully subscribed and installations are being worked from a waitlist. Please visit Oncor’s energy efficiency site, www.takealoadofftexas.com, for a list of participating service providers for solar and other energy efficiency programs, and continue to monitor the Take A Load Off, Texas website for more program offerings and status changes.
-Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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We have two-story house with two air conditioners, one upstairs and one downstairs. We currently do not use the upstairs part of our house. Is it more efficient to turn the A.C. unit upstairs off or set the upstairs temp to a higher temperature during the summer to reduce the strain on the downstairs A.C. unit?
The most efficient way to handle the unused air conditioner is to turn it off. However, there are good reasons to let the unused unit continue to run. In the summer, set the unused AC unit at the maximum temperature on your thermostat, which should be around 88 degrees. This will help with the air conditioning of your house by not letting the unused rooms get as hot as the outside temperature since that would put added load on your primary air conditioner. While the primary air conditioner will run longer to keep the occupied space at the desired temperature, it would, however, run even longer if the unused unit was turned completely off. Additionally, I would close all doors that separate the unused space from the utilized space during the summer months.
In the winter, I would set the unused air conditioner to the lowest heating setting that will ensure you prevent any pipes from freezing, and open the doors that separate the unused space from the utilized space to give added protection from frozen pipes in the unused space. The extra energy used to prevent problems with plumbing is worth the extra cost incurred by leaving the second unit on in the winter.
–Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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Does Oncor have a thermostat program?
Oncor does not have a thermostat program. However, EcoFactor does offer an internet connected residential thermostat program. EcoFactor is a service provider for Oncor’s Residential Demand Response (RDR) Program. They are using the thermostat to control the operation of the air conditioner compressor to meet the demand reduction goal for the RDR Program. Details about EcoFactor’s thermostat program can be found on their website. EcoFactor is only connected to Oncor through the RDR Program. Oncor does not participate in EcoFactor’s thermostat program in any manner.
-Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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I am interested in providing solar power for my residence. Do you have any programs available?
Currenlty, Oncor offers one energy efficiency program designed to help Oncor customers meet a portion of their electric energy needs with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The program, which is called Home Energy Efficiency (HEE), assists customers with identifying Service Providers and provides incentives to help offset the initial cost of installing a solar PV system.
Please check Oncor’s Take A Load Off, Texas energy efficiency website under the HEE Program to find out what Service Providers are installing solar PV systems. Additionally, this site lists all of Oncor’s energy efficiency programs, provides updates when new programs are offered and provides simple tips for making your home more energy efficient.
-Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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I have a 2-story house with two thermostats - one upstairs and one downstairs. What would be the best temp to set so that we can save energy but remain comfortable? The upstairs seems to be warmer than downstairs.
You apparently have a multi-zone single compressor system with damper controls to regulate the temperature in each zone. Each thermostat controls one zone by regulating the amount of conditioned air needed to satisfy the heating and cooling requirements. You need to set each thermostat to the temperature you require in that zone.
In the summer, the upstairs will require more cooling to maintain the same temperature as the downstairs. The balancing of the air flow, proper control of the dampers and the proper amount and placement of the return air vents are all critical to the proper operation of the system. Set the both thermostats to 78 degrees and use ceiling fans to circulate the air.
If you still think that the system is not functioning as designed, check the air filters to make sure it is allowing the air to circulate and open all doors to ensure the air can get back to the return vents. It would be a good idea to have the entire system checked out on an annual basis by a qualified HVAC contractor to ensure optimal performance. When everything is working correctly you should be able to set each thermostat to the desired temperature. Each zone should be controlled independently from the other. You should not have to set the downstairs thermostat at a lower temperature to keep the upstairs cool.
-Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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Is it more cost-efficient to run a 110-volt or 220-volt AC/Heating Unit?
If they are the same capacity, they would use the same amount of energy and thus cost the same to run. Normally, a 220-volt unit would be rated at a higher capacity and would need the higher voltage to limit the number of amps required to run the unit.
For safety precautions, you should have a certified electrician check the voltage configuration of the outlet for proper installation for either the 110-volt or 220-volt AC/heating units. A 110-volt outlet is limited to 15 amps, which cannot run more than a 1,500-watt AC/heating unit. The use of an AC/heating unit that requires more watts than that would use amperage that would exceed the circuits capability, creating an unsafe situation – a potential for house fires or shocking injuries. That is why electric circuits have breakers to interrupt the flow of electricity if it’s too much for the circuit. So if you need more than 1,500 watts to heat the space, you may need to use a 220-volt AC/heating unit with the correctly configured wall plug.
-Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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Two men came by my house, offering solar water-heating panels at no cost to me. The Oncor name was used in their presentation, but the paperwork they left behind was for another company. Is this legitimate?
Oncor works with a number of approved providers for solar water heating installations in Oncor's Solar Water Heating Program. Click here for a list of these providers. Oncor’s Solar Water Heating Program offers an incentive for the installation of solar water heaters to customers who are income qualified based on the Federal poverty guidelines. The maximum incentive payment for the installation of a system in an income qualified home is $3,800 which can cover up to 95 percent of the installed cost. There are a limited number of income-qualified installations available in a program year.
If you feel confident in contacting them, you should ask them to clarify the terms and timing of installing a solar water heater in your house. If you do not feel comfortable, you can contact Oncor at eecustinfo@oncor.com or 1.866.728.3674, and we will explain the program requirements in greater detail.
You can also visit Take A Load Off, Texas, Oncor’s energy efficiency website, to view all of our energy efficiency programs and to get some easy energy efficiency tips for your home.
-Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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How often should air filters be replaced at a home?
To be conservative, using a standard replaceable filter, it is recommended to replace monthly. Five-inch-wide filters only need to be replaced every three months. If you notice that the unit is not cooling as well, or the air flow from the registers is not normal, check the filter. Also, if you have had a lot of dust in the house due to remodeling or other unusual conditions, you may need to change the filter weekly due to the clogging effect from excessive amounts of fine dust until the unusual activity has ended.
-Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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If I install renewable energy generators at my house, can I sell this back to Oncor or a Retail Electric Provider? What’s the process for this?
Because Oncor is a regulated electric transmission and distribution utility, we are prohibited from selling electricity to customers. Oncor does not buy or sell electricity, we just deliver it. Think of us like UPS or FedEx in that way. Part of our job is to provide the metering services needed to correctly account for consumption and generation from distributed renewable generation (DRG) customers (customers that produce and use electricity through renewable energy efforts in addition to using the electricity we deliver).
Retail Electric Providers (REPs) buy and sell electricity. This is who you pay your electric bill to. An REP would be the company who provides payments or credits for your excess energy (out-flow). It is your responsibility to contact an REP to negotiate the benefits of a payment or credit for out-flow.
Visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas Power to Choose webpage for DRGs to view which REPs offer these benefits. For more information, visit Oncor’s DRG webpage or the Power to Choose webpage for DRG information.
To become a registered DRG customer:
Step 1 - Registration and Process for DRG Interconnection
1) Verify and confirm you have signed an Interconnection Agreement with Oncor.
2) Verify your DRG Meter is installed (see Step 2) which measures in-flow and out-flow - correct meters have green DRG letters on the face.
3) Verify you have negotiated an agreement with your REP for the value of out-flow energy.
4) At this point, Oncor should have registered your account as an approved DRG installation.
NOTE: Out-flow energy values will begin being reported to the market operator, ERCOT, after the first full monthly billing cycle following the latter of either the DRG meter install date or the Oncor Interconnection Agreement date.Step 2 - Confirm Your REP Billings Include In-flow and Out-flow Energy
Oncor can NOT help negotiate agreements for out-flow. Oncor is your transmission and distribution service provider and is responsible for providing meter readings to ERCOT which in turn enables these readings to be communicated to your REP. If your REP tells you to call Oncor to verify meter readings, please be aware that your REP can obtain information directly from the Oncor REP Relations department regarding any aspect of your account. A formal process has been established for your REP to communicate directly with Oncor’s accounting department. Your REP can obtain answers to any questions you might have concerning the readings and should be able to provide you the information and readings Oncor has sent to ERCOT. This will be very important in helping you resolve DRG out-flow crediting issues.
-Mike M., Ask Oncor Manager
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I am the administrator of a large church. Recently, I received an e-mail from a third party saying that Oncor has created a grant program for worship facilities. Is this true? What are the details?
Yes, this is true. Oncor's Worship Facility Matching Grant Program is designed to assist worship facilities and faith-based organizations with improving the energy efficiency of their facilities by providing matching grant dollars for the implementation of electric energy efficiency projects.
A total of $3.8 million in matching grant funding will be made available to worship facilities and faith-based organizations through 2012 for the installation of electric energy efficiency and/or renewable energy upgrades to their facilities located inside the Oncor service area. Only one matching grant will be awarded per facility per year, up to 50 percent of the total project cost but not to exceed $100,000. Funds will be distributed to approved, completed projects that meet the program’s requirements on a first come, first served basis. Matching grant funds can be used to pay for the direct purchase and installation of approved energy efficiency and/or qualified renewable energy upgrades.
Grant applications will be judged on a number of criteria, including financial need, speed with which the project will be completed, amount of energy that will be saved, cost-effectiveness and the technologies that will be used.
Please see the Program Guidelines and Application and the Program Manual for additional program details.
For more information, e-mail us at eecustinfo@oncor.com or call us at 1.866.728.3674. For more information on all of Oncor’s energy efficiency programs, please visit Oncor's Take a Load Off, Texas website.
-Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert
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I am aware that Oncor pays $50 for recycled refrigerators, but what about dishwashers?
Oncor used to have the Refrigerator Recycling Program, where we did pay $50 for a refrigerator or freezer that was still working. However, that program was discontinued in 2010. We do not have a program to recycle dishwashers.
We do, however, have a variety of energy efficiency programs. One may be right for you. For information on Oncor’s energy efficiency programs, please visit Oncor's Take a Load Off, Texas website.
-Price R., Energy Efficiency Expert
