Santa rewards those who conserve

Remember what your parents said when you were a kid: Santa Claus hates energy wasters. Did they forget to mention that? Now that you know, be sure to follow lighting energy conservation tips suggested by SMUD for the holiday season. Use low-wattage LED holiday lights, which are available in vibrant colors and use 80 percent less energy than conventional lights. LEDs are cool to the touch, fire-proof and won’t shatter so don’t fret about going crazy on the eggnog. If using incandescent lights, use ones with mini-transformers in each light string’s plug, causing them to operate at a much cooler temperature and use less electricity. And, of course, unplug lights before going to bed or leaving the house and Santa will love you more than his elves.