Conserve if you want a lower electric bill

Resident Larry Bronner claims to be "embarrassed to be complaining" about the amount he is being asked to pay for electricity at his 5,000-square-foot abode in Agoura Hills. Mr. Bronner says that "those who are affected by Southern California Edison's prices should unite."

By this Mr. Bronner probably does not mean unite with Edison and the consumers who rely on their services to seek ways to reach a goal that is mutually beneficial: decreasing our dependence on electricity along with its monetary and environmental costs. Mr. Bronner's power usage places him in Edison's fourth tier, among customers who use 101 to 200 percent more power than the normal baseline amount. Surely he must realize that the extraordinary amount of consumption by an ever-growing population places a strain on the system.

There are many ways that Mr. Bronner and all of us can conserve power. They range from methods that require some investment of time and money such as the installation of solar panels, planting deciduous trees on the south and west sides of our homes, installing awnings or patio overhangs, choosing dark colors for swimming pool walls and light colors for roofs..

Also, open windows at night to give air conditioners a rest and allow nature to cool your home. Unplug appliances, including television sets and computers, when they are not in use. As they burn out, replace filament light bulbs with compact florescent light bulbs. Replace old appliances with new ones that conserve power. Conserve water; it takes energy to pump water into our homes. Vote for political candidates who understand our future depends on the intelligent conservation of resources.

More ideas can be found in publications and websites sponsored by the Sierra Club, Tree People, public power companies and others. Mr. Bronner, we are all in this together. Americans must become leaders in energyefficiency practices. It will save energy, lives and the environment. It's time to unite to learn what we can do to create a sustainable future. Diane Calder Calabasas