First Electric members will be able to ask questions of the “King of Caulk and Talk” when energy efficiency expert Doug Rye speaks at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. The free seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. May 14 in the Fine Arts Gallery. Rye will teach simple, feasible, commonsense and proven methods that will make both new and existing homes more efficient and that can mean more comfort and lower utility bills. Rye hosts "Home Remedies," a show focusing on energy efficiency that airs on radio stations in several states. The licensed architect is a consultant for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and writes a monthly column for Arkansas Living magazine on ways cooperative members can reduce their energy bills. He lives in Saline County. For more information on Doug Rye, visit the “Energy Efficiency” section of www.firstelectric.coop. First Electric serves more than 88,000 active accounts throughout 17 counties in central and southeast Ar...

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton has taken several steps to improve energy efficiency throughout its campus. Recently, changes have been made in many areas to reduce costs and utility usage. ClearResults, an energy consulting company hired by Entergy, provides the school with guidance on energy conservation efforts. They also have incentive funds available to assist educational organizations in becoming more energy efficient. “UACCM is committed to reducing energy usage,” Dr. Linda Birkner, Vice Chancellor for Administration at UACCM, said. “Not only is it the right thing to do, but energy conservation can free up funds normally committed to utilities. These funds can then be put back into our educational programs! With our limited budget, that is important.” Among the implemented changes at UACCM are occupancy sensors and lights in eight of the older buildings on campus. They expect to put occupancy sensors in the remainder of the buildings on a late...