Learn more about springing forward this Saturday!

Daylight Savings Time was first instituted in most of the United Sates since World War 1 in an effort to save energy for war production by taking advantage of the later hours of daylight between April and October. Since then, DST commences and remains the same. Or has it? In fact, since 2007, DST has been four weeks longer due to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 signed by former President George W. Bush. The Act extended DST by 4 weeks, hoping to take advantage of the available daylight to even further reduce energy consumption through decreased use of power by businesses during daylight hours. This Act is estimated to save 10,000 barrels of oil each day during the 4 weeks of extended DST.

DST begins on Sunday, March 10th and ends on the first Sunday of November. During this second Sunday of March, clocks are moved forward one hour from 2 a.m. standard time to 3 a.m. The often spoken phrase "Spring Forward-- Fall Back" is a helpful reminder of these time changes.

This DST, let GP.Energy save you even more off of your electric bill with your very own solar energy system. And DST is not the only other way to save this month. Start saving those referral bucks for each contracted 'Green' referral you send our way.

Sunny regards!

Turn off the lights and unplug those cell phone chargers.

Most people know that having lights and other electronics on when they leave the room means electricity is still being pulled from the grid. Often, we're so rushed and busy that we don't take the time to think about how spending a few extra seconds to flick off a light switch or unplug something like a cell phone charger will mean keeping us from unnecessarily using kilowatt hours while seeing a slightly higher electric bill the next month.

But really slowing down thought-wise enough to take the time to shut off a light or unplug electronics when they're not being used, and especially when no one is home, is a lifestyle approach that will help to save you money in the long run.

Think about what you are likely to leave plugged in on a regular basis-- televisions, DVD players, cell phone chargers, lamps, radios, laptops, paper shredders, surge protectors, and plenty more.

On top of that, there's also the perk of how this will translate to you being kinder to the environment by using less electricity in your daily schedule.