In recognition of National Energy Awareness Month, the Energy Advisors from OPALCO have teamed up with local libraries to present a series of workshops in October to help members learn how to trim the waste from their electric usage and monthly bills using a Kill-a-Watt meter.

There are phantom electrical loads lurking in homes, haunting electric bills. Walk around your home at night and look for the tell-tale eyes: the colored lights on device chargers, computers, game systems and appliances. These phantom loads may seem harmless, but they can add up on your power bill. Co-op members are invited to join OPALCO for a hands-on workshop at each island’s library to learn how to use a Kill-a-Watt meter to test a variety of phantom load producing devices.

Orcas Library: Monday, Oct. 22 from 10 to 11 a.m. Lopez Library: Thursday, Oct. 25 from 2 to 3 p.m. San Juan Library:  Friday, Oct. 26 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Shaw Community Center: TBA

These workshops are free, and OPALCO has provided Kill-a-Watt meters at each island library that can be checked out and used at home.