The first step along this path is energy efficiency: “First reduce your use, and then produce.” Making sure that your home or business is air-sealed is the first and usually least expensive way to decrease energy waste. Efficient bulbs and Energy Star appliances are a great way to reduce electricity demand as well.

Once a home or building is efficient, the next step is renewables. More than 290 days of free sunshine brightens our county each year. Solar makes sense (and cents) in our sunny location and allows us the freedom to produce energy on our very rooftops, of all places. With so much power just over our heads, it’s not as hard as you might think to reach up and grab it. I’m excited about the opportunity that Solarize La Plata is creating for many here. The payback period for solar has changed from 20 years to just seven years with the offered base price systems. Financing options are available.

Let us follow the example that our nation’s Army is setting and strive for energy independence. I encourage all readers who are ready to take electricity production into their own hands to visit fourcore.org or call 259-1916 to get your name on the list by Jan. 31, when the sign-up period ends.

Teresa Shishim

Durango