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If you are experiencing an outage, utilize the SmartHub app, or call 800-794-1989. If there is an emergency situation, please press 0 to speak to a member service representative. DO NOT LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. 

 

 

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Ask Matt - September's Featured Question

Monday | August 24, 2020
All News

Dear Matt, 
My daughter is moving into her first apartment. It’s a milestone moment for us! How can we help her save money on her utilities? What she can and can’t do is pretty strict. 

This is a great question! Rental properties often have strict guidelines regarding what you can and can’t do to the property. So, it is sometimes harder to know how to go about energy efficiency when you don’t have control over making structural improvements. But, saving money in a rental is possible. Here are some tips to pass along to your daughter. 

Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances
If appliances must be purchased, I would invest in energy-efficient models. An ENERGY STAR® appliance is one that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy have identified as the most energy-efficient. She will have these investments for years to come, and they can move with her.

Lightbulbs
We’ve mentioned this before, but lightbulbs are the easiest way to save money right off the top. LED bulbs use about 75% less electricity. So, purchase some lightbulbs and start swapping them out if needed. If that’s not allowed, be sure to request LED bulbs from your landlord. 

Turn the Lights Off and Adjust the Temperature
If you aren’t in a room, shut the lights off. Adjusting the thermostat a few degrees uses less energy when you are at work or gone on weekends. 

Don’t Let Air Out
Shut doors and windows when the heating or cooling unit is in use. Make sure vents aren’t blocked with furniture, and if there is a window unit make sure it’s sealed properly. Also, window coverings can make a big difference.

 

Every month, Energy Use Coordinator Matt Lambert, will answer questions about energy efficiency, renewables, co-op programs, and everything in between. Email Matt 

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McLouth Office
507 N. Union
PO Box 70
McLouth, KS 66054

Topeka Office
1100 SW Auburn Rd. 
Topeka, KS 66615

Toll-Free:800-794-1989

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About Us

With 14,974 members and 20,551 service points FreeState Electric Cooperative is the largest rural electric cooperative in Eastern Kansas and the fifth largest rural electric cooperative in the state of Kansas. FreeState serves nine Kansas counties and provides distribution infrastructure to Fort Leavenworth. 

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Board of Trustees
    • Cooperative Leadership
    • Powering Fort Leavenworth
    • Cooperative Transparency
    • About Touchstone Energy
  • Contact Us
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Media Inquiries
    • Submit Feedback
  • Member Services
    • Apply for Service
    • Payment Options
      • Understanding Your Bill
      • Payment Assistance
      • Pay Now!
    • Capital Credits
    • Your Service
      • Security Options
      • Tree-Trimming
      • High Bill Concern
    • Member Programs
      • Co-op Connections Card
      • Ask Matt
      • Medical Necessity Notification
      • Renewable Energy
      • Time of Use
    • Charges and Fees
    • Member Guide
    • Rebates
    • Water Heaters
    • New Construction
  • Outage Center
    • Outage Map
    • Social Feeds
    • Storm Updates
  • Communications
    • Connect With Us!
    • Kansas Country Living
    • Mobile Background Images
    • The Signal
  • Community Development
    • Co-op Events
    • Co-op's Vote
    • CoBank Sharing Success
    • Local Sponsorships
    • Operation Round-Up
    • Youth Programs
  • Safety
    • Agriculture Safety
    • Emergency Preparedness
    • Generator Safety
    • Meter Access
    • Power Line Safety
    • Safety Demonstrations
    • Ten Tips To Avoid Scams
  • Co-op FAQ
  • SmartHub Mobile
    • Using SmartHub
  • Annual Meeting
    • Trustee Application
  • COVID-19