Gentry Library participating in 'Track and Save' program

GENTRY — The Arkansas Energy Office, a division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, has announced “Track and Save,” a new program that will allow library patrons the opportunity to check out kilowatt meters from public libraries throughout Arkansas to measure energy use at home.

Participating public libraries, including Gentry Public Library, each have five meters. Meters can be checked out at the library to patrons having a current library membership.

After plugging the meter into any home outlet, the user can then plug any 115-volt appliance into the meter. The kilowatt meter will estimate the amount of energy the appliance uses and how much money the appliance costs to operate over time.

“Track and Save” is funded through the American Recovery and Readjustment Act.

“We’re excited about offering this new program to residential energy users throughout Arkansas,” said Scott Hamilton, director of the Arkansas Energy Office. “People today are more concerned about saving money and preserving our resources than ever before. Knowledge is power and I think folks are going to be amazed when they realize how much money they are spending on operating appliances and electronics they aren’t even using.”

The “Track and Save” program seeks to educate Arkansans about residential energy use and to ultimately influence Arkansans to reduce energy and save money at home by unplugging electronicswhen not in use. According to the Energy Information Administration, appliances and lights account for 33 percent of a home’s energy use - and many appliances continue to use energy even when turned off or not in use. Total energy costs for appliances and lights cost the average Arkansas household $627 a year.

“We are excited to participate in the “Track and Save” program,” said Lee Ann Blackwell with the Central Arkansas Library System. “As a public library system, CALS is an information hub. Green living and efficiency go hand in hand with the library. Providing kilowatt meters to our patrons will provide them with valuable information.”

The AEO promotes energy efficiency and emerging technologies through energy education and information programs as well as managing federal energy funds in the State of Arkansas.

For more information on the program, visit the Gentry Public Library or go to www.arkansasenergy.org.