Kevin Stearns/University Photography

Ann Gifford, the EmPowerNY program team coordinator of consumer and financial management education at CCE-Tompkins County, poses with a window and other materials used for workshops about saving energy. Copyright © Cornell University

Turn off computers and their peripherals when not in use. Unplug such "vampire" appliances as satellite TV systems and VCRs that suck electricity even they are off. Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Install weather stripping on doors leading to the outside or garage. And, of course, turn down the thermostat when leaving home.

These are just a few of the energy- and money-saving tips being given out around the state in hundreds of free EmPower New York workshops on saving energy and money. Last year, 28 Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) offices offered more than 335 workshops on saving energy and managing money with some 3,000 participants in 30 counties serviced by New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and National Grid. Another 135 workshops are scheduled for future months (see http://www.ccetompkins.org/EmPowerNY for schedule).

"There are many low- and no-cost energy-saving strategies that can save money so that renters and homeowners can apply the savings to other household expenses," says Ann Gifford, the program's team coordinator of consumer and financial management education at CCE-Tompkins County. Gifford developed the workshops on energy efficiency and financial management education and provides statewide leadership for the workshops with colleague Barbara Henza, financial and consumer educator at CCE of Cortland County.

Cornell housing and energy expert Joe Laquatra, the Reed Professor of Design and Environment Analysis (DEA) at Cornell, oversaw the development of energy workshop materials. Laquatra heads up the Consumer Education Program for Residential Energy Efficiency, a related New York program that promotes energy-saving incentives for homeowners, landlords and builders. Laquatra and Mark Pierce, DEA extension associate, assisted with CCE educator training so that trained staff could implement the workshops in local communities.

"Participants rave about the workshops and how helpful and informative they are," Gifford says. "They often comment how there should be more people attending them."

Noelia Springston, who was worried about this winter, attended an energy-saving workshop last fall. After the workshop, she caulked and weather-stripped doors and windows, put up plastic storm windows and plugged up socket covers. "It seems basic, but after the workshop, we were motivated to make adjustments."

"Save Energy, Save Dollars" workshops focus on energy efficiency and offer such free take-home tools as weather stripping, caulk, plastic storm windows and faucet aerators. "Making Ends Meet," which focuses on household planning, and "Exploring Credit Issues," which assists consumers in debt management, both provide free calculators and other money-management tools. Although the workshops are open to the public, they require pre-registration and attendance is limited.

The EmPower New York workshops are a program of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and are funded by a system benefits charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of participating utilities. NYSERDA offers a wide range of energy efficiency programs and information for households seeking assistance in reducing their energy bills.