Turning down your water heater by a few degrees, switching one bulb at a time, and slicing up a $2 pool noodle can add up to real savings on your electric bill — and Karen Poff is back to show you how. Janet Michael welcomes local Extension agent Karen Poff, who manages the Northern Shenandoah Valley Financial Education Program, for a bonus conversation packed with practical, low-cost ways to trim your energy costs as the seasons turn. From cleaning dryer vents and refrigerator coils to hunting down phantom power drains with a switched power strip, Karen and Janet walk through room-by-room tips anyone can start using this weekend. They also cover thermostat habits, lighting upgrades, water heater settings, and where to find help if paying the energy bill is a struggle. Tune in for tips you can put to use before the next bill arrives. LINKS & RESOURCES Northern Shenandoah Valley Financial Education Program: https://warren.ext.vt.edu/programs/nsvfep.html Virginia Energy Sense: https://www.virginiaenergysense.org/ - Virginia Energy Sense is Virginia Energy's consumer education initiative that helps residents reduce energy use, lower utility costs, and make informed energy decisions. The website offers practical energy-saving tips, information on home energy efficiency improvements, guidance on available incentives and rebates, and tools to help households improve comfort and manage energy expenses year-round. Federal Energy Programs: https://www.energy.virginia.gov/ - The federal Home Energy Rebates programs created through the Inflation Reduction Act are being implemented and administered by individual states. Virginia is currently developing and finalizing its program requirements and enrollment processes. Residents can find the most up-to-date information about program availability, eligibility, and application procedures through the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy). U.S. Department of Energy Home Energy Rebates Program: - https://www.energy.gov/cmei/scep/home-energy-rebates-program - Offers an overview of the federal Home Energy Rebates programs, including program goals, eligible upgrades, and state implementation guidance. Virginia Home Energy Rebates FAQ (Virginia Energy): https://www.energy.virginia.gov/energy-efficiency/HomeEnergyRebatesFrequentlyAskedQuestions.shtml - Provides the latest information on Virginia's Home Energy Rebates programs, including eligibility requirements, qualified improvements, and implementation updates. Virginia Energy Connect: https://energy.virginia.gov/connect/residential - A one-stop resource for Virginia residents to explore available energy efficiency incentives, connect with Energy Ambassadors, and learn about clean energy and cost-saving opportunities. The site reflects currently available programs and will be updated as new rebate programs become available. Virginia Energy Sense: Energy Providers Tab: https://www.virginiaenergysense.org/incentives-and-rebates/ - The Energy Providers section of this web page allows Virginia residents to search for rebates, incentives, and energy-saving programs offered by their electric or natural gas utility. By selecting a utility provider, consumers can identify programs that may help reduce the cost of energy efficiency upgrades, home energy assessments, weatherization improvements, and other energy-saving measures available in their service area. Weatherization Assistance - Community Housing Partners Weatherization Program: https://www.communityhousingpartners.org/energy-solutions/weatherization/ - Provides weatherization services and energy-saving improvements for eligible households. Complete the online program survey to determine which energy assistance and weatherization programs you may qualify for. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
