Bright ideas for a safe and energy-smart holiday season
Learn how to make your charming festive lights safer and keep track of your energy use.
As the days get shorter and the holidays approach, many of us are eager to light up our homes with festive decorations. Whether you're stringing up spooky lights for Halloween, setting a warm tone for Thanksgiving or going all out for the winter holidays, decorative lighting can bring joy to any occasion.
Everyone loves walking through neighborhoods filled with holiday cheer, but it’s important to keep two things in mind: festive lights can increase your energy use and safety should always be the priority. Follow our tips for a holly-jolly holiday season!
Safety first!
Before you plug in those pumpkins or twinkle lights, keep these tips in mind:
Check for damage
Inspect cords and plugs for fraying or exposed wires before use.
Keep your tree green
Dried Christmas tree limbs and hot lights can be a dangerous combination. Cut your tree base at a 45-degree angle so it can absorb water. A tree can consume up to a gallon of water a day. Remove the tree promptly after the holiday or when it becomes dry.
Don’t overload outlets and inspect your cords
Too many plugs in one outlet can be a fire hazard. If a cord feels hot to the touch, it is overloaded and may cause an electrical fire.
Mind the glow: fire-safe decorating
Keep flammable decorations away from the tree's lights. Also make sure that electric window candles do not touch drapes or other flammable objects.
Be careful with wires
Keep wires away from toddlers and pets and be sure wires are out of the way so that nobody trips over them. Push wires toward the center of the tree and attach them securely to the branches.
Watch your energy use
Keep the holiday spirits live, but keep an eye on your energy consumption.
Don’t forget to turn off the lights
Decorative lights, especially if left on for long periods, can lead to higher energy bills. Use timers or smart plugs to automatically shut off lights late at night.
Choose lights carefully
LED lights use up to 80% less energy and stay cooler than traditional bulbs. All lights and cords should be factory tested. Check for the UL label on the packaging.
Energy Manager
With Energy Manager, you can: track your energy use down to the hour, see how your use compares to similar homes and get personalized tips to reduce your energy consumption.
Alerts
By signing up for alerts, you can receive alerts on your energy use, set up targets and get notified of big usage shifts. You can also stay informed during outages and get meter read reminders.
Extra tip: Afraid of winter energy bills?
Enroll in Budget Billing and balance your energy costs throughout the year, so you can stay festive and still be energy-smart.
Outdoor safety
Before you decorate outside, keep these safety tips in mind to ensure a bright and hazard-free holiday season.
Watch overhead
Never raise ladders, poles or other extended objects into or near power lines.
Never raise ladders, poles or other extended objects into or near power lines.
Use outdoor-rated lights outside
Only use lights labeled for outdoor use—they’re built to handle moisture and cold temperatures.
Keep lights away from flammable materials
Avoid placing lights near dry leaves, mulch or decorations that could catch fire.
Stay cozy without the cost
Discover simple tips and tools to lower your energy use this winter, while maintaining your comfort.