For many, new year’s resolutions start in the kitchen. From healthy dinners to eating out less, the kitchen has the resources needed to achieve this goal. It can also be a place to target healthier energy bills - and wallets - with energy efficiency ideas to last all year. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) has tips to kickstart your new year of savings: 

Consider Other Ways to Prepare Meals

An oven is an obvious appliance for meal preparations; however, it requires higher heat over an extended period, including preheating. Cooking chicken in an oven can use more energy when compared to other cooking options. Instead, prepare meals using smaller appliances like a slow cooker, air fryer or microwave, which all use less energy. Try new recipes or prepare a week of freezer meals all using less energy in the process.

The Right Temperature Makes a Difference

What is the right temperature setting for a refrigerator and freezer? Or, more importantly, what is the right setting for the appliance to keep food at a proper temperature while still remaining energy efficient? Plan to keep the fridge setting between 36 - 38 degrees and the freezer between 0 and 5 degrees. 

Shut the Fridge Door

Meal preparations consume various areas of the kitchen. When moving away from the refrigerator, ensure its doors are closed – even if coming back shortly to grab more. The refrigerator’s cold air escapes out its open doors, making the unit work harder to maintain its set temperature. To prevent energy waste, grab all items at once and make sure the door is fully closed when done.  

Understand and Track Energy Use  

Customers with a smart meter can see where and how energy is used at their home in a Weekly AMI (WAMI) report. By regularly reviewing the WAMI report, customers can track weekly use and identify saving opportunities fit for their home. Not sure where to find your report? Access your I&M account and head to Account Settings. Adjust the preference to automatically receive your WAMI report in the Usage Notification Preferences.  

Also see: I&M Wants the ‘WAMI’ to Work For You

Make sure your kitchen is set up for success with energy efficient appliances. I&M Marketplace can help make informed purchase decisions to become more energy efficient at home. A full list of items is available on the Marketplace website.

Browse energy-saving tips, products, rebates and discounts to help kickstart your savings by visiting www.ElectricIdeas.com.