September 8, 2006—The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) has released the results of a survey that identified energy hogs in the Hamptons and other areas near Long Island retail stores. The survey found that many stores are wasting 20 percent to 25 percent of the electricity they consume because the front doors are kept open on warm days, which allows the air-conditioned air to spill out.
Although leaving the doors open may bring a few more customers in, it also increases utility bills and adds to the already-high power demand in the Long Island area. Electricity demand has increased 101 percent in the past eight years and reached a record high during the heat wave this August, notes LIPA.
The utility is urging stores to keep their doors shut when air conditioners are running, and is asking customers to watch for these energy hogs and request that they close their doors on hot days. For more information, see the Energy Hog Web site.
