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What's Going Down at SOS? ... Our Energy Consumption!

Did you know… the United States has less than 5% of the world’s population but consumes 19% of the world’s energy. On average, one American consumes as much energy as approximately 2 Japanese, 31 Indians, or 307 Tanzanians.

Source: buff.ly/1hrtNtI

As we fight to slow climate change, our daily choices regarding energy use can make a big difference. In California, about 44% of the total energy consumed is by appliances, electronics, and lighting. Luckily, this is something we have a lot of control over!

Here at SOS we reduce our energy consumption not only through our Pig Post program (see our December blog post), but also with a weekly energy competition! Wireless energy monitors located in each dorm record both real-time and cumulative energy use each day. Each monitor is surrounded by a poster explaining how the monitor works and why it is important. Read below!


Students learn about the competition upon their arrival and begin participating the first moment they step into their dorm. SOS staff then record data daily to compare between dorms and announce the results during lunch. The competition motivates students to be more conscious of habits like turning off the lights, closing windows and doors while heat or A/C is running, and unplugging camera/phone chargers. We hope that students will take these practices back to their homes and families! 

Who or what has influenced your household energy habits? 

For more information about household energy consumption in California, check out the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) website: http://www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/reports/2009/state_briefs/pdf/ca.pdf

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  3. AnaMay 18, 2020 at 7:17 AM

    I became more cautious when I started seeing my electricity bill. Its not just about money, but also the kind of energy consumption. In India, there are load shedding zones (most are also agriculture zone) so that cities can use as much energy as they can. Since taxes will be produced from cities. But farmers face lot of issues. I didn't want my children to carry forward this same habit without thinking of farmer. So I installed solar panels at my home. Part of my home works on solar energy and part with electricity. I also have home energy monitor Ohm Assistant which helps me to keep track on my electricity consumption.

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