Texas Energy Demands

Texas leads the nation in energy consumption across all sectors and is the largest energy-consuming state in the nation.

Greening Texas

In 2021, Texas produced about 26% of all US wind-powered electricity generation. Wind power exceeded coal-fired generation for the first time in 2019.

Texas will double by 2060 - 25 million more people

If consumption patterns do not change, the state may experience devastating economic and ecological impacts. Saving natural resources is every Texan's duty.

Set Thermostats to Conserve

To conserve electricity, set home thermostats to 78 - 80 degrees when using air conditioning to help reduce energy demand and to save money. When leaving your home be sure to set your thermostat between 80 - 82 degrees and close all window blinds and curtains to reduce heat transfer into the home. 

You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. 

For more information on how to save costs on your next electricity bill explore these helpful tips from Energy Saver. 

image of thermostat recommendations from the US Department of Energy

Large Appliances

For energy and cost savings, unplug all unused appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, computers, chargers, TV & DVD players, game stations, and other appliances you don't use throughout the day. 

When purchasing new appliances look for Energy Star certified products. 

 

ENERGY STAR Ask the Experts | Products | ENERGY STAR

Laundry facility in residential hall on campus
person installing insulation in their home

Upgrades to the Home

Adding insulation to the attic or crawl space and to exterior walls in conjunction with air sealing will help keep a home warm during colder months and help keep a home cool during warmer months. Increasing a home's insulation is one of the fastest and cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste. 

For more information regarding sustainable insulation and green home improvements explore these helpful insights from the GreenHome Institute. 

Lights Out

As always, be sure to turn off all lights when leaving a room, apartment, office space and your home. Not only is lighting an empty room a waste of energy, but also a waste of money.

Incandescent lights should be turned off whenever they are not needed, because they are the least efficient type of lighting. 90% of the energy they use is given off as heat, and only about 10% results in light. LEDs are a great alternative, they use a fraction of the energy and produce less heat. 

While halogens are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, they use the same technology and are far less efficient than CFLs and LEDs. Therefore, it is best to turn these lights off whenever they are not needed.

 

hand switching off a light bulb
Drone image of San Marcos River

Hotter Than a Habanero

Blog dedicated to improving our understanding of climate change in Texas, what it means for water, and what we can do to improve our resiliency.
Texas + Water logo

Texas + Water

Texas+Water is a monthly newsletter published by The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment addressing water news, research, and policy.
big splash of water

Drought Survival Kit

The State of Water by Texas Parks & Wildlife dives into drought restrictions and how Texans can combat drought.