During the summer months, excessive energy use is not only costly, but increases the likelihood of power outages. Nassau County's families face some of the highest expenses in the nation; just as important is the potential danger posed to residents by sudden power outages. I deal with these types of issues on a daily basis as the chair of the Health Committee and the vice chair of both the Planning, Development, and Environment Committee and the Public Safety Committee. There are a few simple steps we can all take in order to save hundreds of dollars annually and decrease the risk of a sudden outage.

One of the fastest and easiest ways to decrease your electricity bill is through lighting efficiency. Even the simple act of turning off lights in unused rooms has a major impact on energy use. Focusing light on small areas like a desk or a chair is far more effective than lighting a large room. Additionally, compact fluorescent light bulbs save energy and are far more energy efficient; they also last six to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

It is also important to unplug appliances that aren't in use. The spare refrigerator in the garage might be great to keep a few extra drinks cold, but it adds 10 percent to 25 percent to your electricity bill. Ventilation fans in the kitchen or bathroom are very important, but they should be turned off after they've done their job. Most computers have power management features that can be set to turn the computer to a low-energy "sleep mode" if you are away from the computer for five to 15 minutes. Once you're done with the computer, turn it off; even in sleep mode, the computer still draws some power.

You can also substantially decrease energy use every time you wash your clothes. Over 80 percent of the energy used in washing machines is used to heat the water. Using less water by washing full loads saves some energy, but using cooler water results in massive reductions in energy use. Switching the temperature setting from hot to warm results in a 50 percent reduction in your washer's energy, and using cold water reduces your washer's energy use by 75 percent. Cold water detergents are available that allow you to wash your clothes without wasting energy to heat water.

Energy conservation in the home is important on many levels. It limits the risk of power outages, it is smart environmental policy, and it saves money. I know that many Long Island residents are struggling to afford their ideal suburban life - that's why I've never voted for a tax increase. Local residents who actively work towards conserving energy save hundreds of dollars every year. It is especially important to conserve energy during the summer, these tips will save you money all year round. I've worked towards reducing energy in my own home, and I encourage my neighbors and constituents to do likewise.