Preparing your Thanksgiving feast is no small feat, but taking a moment to consider your energy use can lead to big savings. Here are some quick and easy tips to keep energy use in check — and your home safe — while you whip up your holiday meal.

• Plan side dishes that fit in the oven with your turkey — and resist opening the oven doors until you have to.
• Use an electric pressure cooker or slow cooker for mashed potatoes or other side dishes. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use, and keep children away from the pressure valve on the pressure cooker.
• Match your pots and pans to the right-size burners so you don’t waste heat. Use lids to help retain heat.
• Limit trips to the fridge — keeping the door closed saves energy. For large groups, consider storing drinks in a cooler for easy access.
• Decorate your table with LED flameless candles instead of traditional candles to reduce the risk of fire.
• Don’t overload outlets, and inspect cords before starting up your appliances, especially if you haven’t used them in a while.
• Ensure any appliances near water (e.g., kitchen sinks) are plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected outlets.
• And if you’re hosting, remember to turn down the thermostat as warm bodies and warm ovens provide extra heat.

For more energy-saving tips, including ways to get your house ready for winter, visit idahopower.com/save.

Alexis Freeman
Marketing Specialist
afreeman@idahopower.com
208-388-2291