Use this page to find actions that your household has completed or plans to complete. Browse the categories on the left to find actions for the Power Saver, Green Leader, or Renewable Star Challenge.

Once you have signed in, you can click Add to My Challenge to add an action to your To Do List, Already Completed to mark an action as complete, or Not Applicable if the action does not apply to you.

Once signed in, you can rate each of the actions you have completed.
The highest rated action appear under the Most Popular Actions category.

ACTIONS

  • 1
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    A key denotes a renter-friendly action.
    Turn off lights in areas that are not being used
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    This is the simplest behavioral change that you and your family can make to your daily energy-saving regimen! Making a difference starts with small changes. Learn more about when to turn off your lights from EnergySavers.gov.

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  • 1
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    A key denotes a renter-friendly action.
    Substitute natural light for electrical light
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    Open your curtains to allow natural lighting in, and close them if the room gets too warm. Using light that is already available during daytime hours reduces energy output from light bulbs, saving you money. Learn more about daylighting from EnergySavers.gov.

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  • 5
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action. Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    A key denotes a renter-friendly action.
    Use energy-efficient lighting in at least 75% of your lighting fixtures
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    Fluorescent lights use up to 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs, and can last up to 10 times as long. If you replace 20 bulbs with more energy-efficient lights, you can save up to $600 over the lifetimes of the bulbs. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs) now come in all shapes and sizes. There are dimmable models, and models for recessed or outdoor lighting. Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting is even more efficient than CFL lighting, but with a greater up-front cost.

    Learn more about ENERGY STAR® light bulb options.

    If you need help selecting the right bulb replacements, smart phone apps like Light Bulb Finder can help you to choose the right bulbs to upgrade.

    Save on upfront costs by taking advantage of Potomac Edison’s lighting rebates.

    If you tried a CFL and didn’t like it, it may be because you didn’t select the right wattage, color, brightness, or size. When purchasing CFLs, use these equivalencies to get the brightness you are looking for (or roughly divide by 4):

    Incandescent CLF
    60 Watt 13 Watt
    75 Watt 18 Watt
    100 Watt 23 Watt

     

     

     

    Apr 07 Jesse Speak

    I am concerned about mercury so we do not use these. But, I am interested in LED lights if they are affordable.

    Jul 25 Donald Frank-Rice

    I have installed LED lights in all of the main rooms of the house. All that is left is the basement and bathroom.

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  • 2
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    A key denotes a renter-friendly action.
    Use solar lights for walkways and landscaping
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    Using solar walkway lights instead of a porch light or electric walkway lights will cut energy and/or battery costs because they use the sun to generate light energy, and they only turn on at night using a light sensor. Solar lights are also a great option for garden paths and to accent landscaping. Little maintenance is needed other than keeping the solar cells clean from pollen, dust, and dirt.

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  • 1
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    Use motion sensors for interior and exterior lighting in low use areas
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    Motion sensors save energy by only turning on the lights when necessary. There are a variety of options for different uses from nightlights to porch lights. Low traffic or occasional use areas like attics, basements, and closets can also be great locations for motion sensor lighting.

    Jul 25 Donald Frank-Rice

    We have one motion sensor light outside, mounted above the garage door. There are also small motion sensor lights located on the stairs that provide light to see by at night.

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