Coast Electric Power Association held its annual Energy Fair in Picayune to educate members on ways to lower their electricity costs.

During the daylong event, held at the Coast Electric office on Highway 11, Representatives with Touchstone Energy Cooperative provided information that would help consumers save money on their electricity bill.

“We want to help members save money on their bills and inform them about their different member benefits for being part of this co-op,” Coast Electric Energy Management Representative for Harrison County Tyler Green said.

Green said members regularly call with questions, so the fair provides them with an opportunity to personally interact with the public and address those questions.

During the fair, demonstrations were provided about the advantages of using energy efficient light bulbs such as LED bulbs instead of using incandescent bulbs.

Mark Wallace, Director of Energy Management at Coast Electric, said most of the members visiting the fair sign up for the time-of-use rate plan, which is based on the time of the day members use electricity and Coast Electric’s cost to supply electricity during that time of the day.

According to informational pamphlets, the plan provides members with the choice to lower electricity costs without reducing the total amount of electricity consumed. Shifting electricity use to off-peak hours will allow the cooperative’s current facilities to operate more efficiently thus substantially reducing electricity costs, it states.

Members were also briefed about the Co-op Connections Card available at no cost, which provides discounts on prescriptions and other medical related expenses, Green said.

Information was also provided pertaining to energy efficiency, setting water heaters to efficient temperatures, putting timers on pool pumps, insulating homes and several other topics, Green said.

Wallace said the company typically holds these events during the first week of the month to address member questions regarding their bill and so representatives can individually address concerns.

To learn more about programs offered by Coast Electric visit www.coastepa.com.