Most of Missouri participates in electric cooperatives. These are local, member owned and member controlled electric companies.

My home and our Lebanon office belong to the Laclede Electric Cooperative and our Marshfield office belongs to the Webster Electric Cooperative.

Each year, there is an annual meeting, where members of the co-op elect their board of directors, learn about the direction of the co-op and possibly receive a "capital credit" check - money given back to the members, similar to a dividend check.

When I first moved to this area, I was always surprised to receive energy saving tips in with my electric bill and at the annual meeting. Most businesses are focused on making money. Why would our electric company want us to save money? Simple. It is member owned and operated. As a member, I want to save money.

Laclede Electric is now sponsoring the Doug Rye "Home Remedies" Show on KJEL radio here in Lebanon. For the past few Saturdays, I've been listening and learning from Doug Rye, a master on energy efficiency building and energy audits. (I have to admit, I had never heard of Doug Rye before hearing the promo ads for his show! Now I am hooked!)

In just a week or two, I've picked up a whole list of great energy efficient tips for your home. Here are just five:

1. Homes need insulation. (Doug is a strong advocate of cellulose.) Goes hand in hand with #4 below.
   
2. Attics attract heat, so it does not make efficiency sense to have your duct work up there. Duct work should be in "conditioned" spaces, such as your crawl space or basement.
   
3. A simple win win for the environment and your energy bill: shade trees. Keep a few of those trees around your home.
   
4. Caulk is your friend! Growing up I always heard a home had to "breathe." Not so, says Doug. Use caulk to keep cool air out in the winter and cool air in during the summer.
   
5. Wrapping your water heater can save you $$$ - In the winter, water heaters give off heat, having to work that much more to keep you in hot water. In summer, water heaters give off heat, warming up the space you're paying to cool.

For more on Doug Rye, visit: Doug Rye

For more information on Missouri Electric Cooperatives, visit: AMEC