Library helps you keep tabs on electricity consumption | Home & Garden

Memphis Light Gas and Water, Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Memphis Public Library have teamed-up to offer two new programs to help Shelby County residents reduce energy consumption: Get EnergySmart @ Your Library and Kill-A-Watt Checkout.

Get EnergySmart @ Your Library is a two-hour workshop that imparts practical tips and offers hands-on instruction. Attendees leave Get EnergySmart sessions with a tote valued at $50 that includes gadgets and tools to complete simple do-it-yourself projects that will save money and energy.

For those wondering just how much it costs to run their home appliances, Kill-A-Watt Checkout will help identify electricity-gorging culprits. The Kill-A-Watt devices can be checked-out from area libraries with a valid library card. Determining consumption using Kill-A-Watt is easy. The electricity usage monitors plug into wall sockets. Plug an appliance into the monitor to assess energy usage. Each Kill-A-Watt is pre-programmed with MLGW rates. Knowing how much electricity it takes to operate an appliance can help residents manage electricity usage - potentially saving hundreds of dollars.

Both programs are free. However, registration is required for the Get EnergySmart workshops; call the presenting branch to reserve a space.

For general information about Get EnergySmart or the Kill-A-Watt Checkout program, call 415-2700.

Get EnergySmart Workshop Dates:

Tuesday, June 7, 10:30 a.m.

Raleigh Branch, 3157 Powers

386-5333

Tuesday, June 7, 3 p.m.

Randolph Branch, 3752 Given

452-1068

Tuesday, June 14, 10:30 a.m.

Gaston Park Branch, 1040 S. Third

942-0836

Tuesday, June 14, 3 p.m.

Cossitt Branch, 33 S. Front

526-1712

Tuesday, July 12, 10:30 a.m.

South Branch, 1929 S. Third

946-8518

Tuesday, July 12, 3 p.m.

Frayser Branch, 3712 Argonne

357-4115

Tuesday, July 19, 10:30 a.m.

Hollywood Branch, 1530 N. Hollywood

323-6201

Tuesday, August 9, 10:30 a.m.

Cordova Branch, 8457 Trinity Rd.

754-8443

Tuesday, August  9, 3p.m.

Poplar White-Station Branch, 5094 Poplar Ave.

682-1616

Tuesday, August 16, 3 p.m.

Cornelia Crenshaw, 531 Vance

525-1643

Information provided by Memphis Public Library and Information Center.

Photo courtesy Flickr user grendelkahn.