Instructions: Here are tips for saving energy in the kitchen:

Microwave oven

Microwave ovens use about 50 percent less energy than conventional ovens.

They are most efficient for small portions or defrosting.

Ovens

Minimize preheating time. Unless youre baking breads or pastries, you might not need to preheat.

Dont open the oven door too often to check on food. Each time you open the door, the oven temperature drops by 25 degrees.

Use glass or ceramic pans in ovens, which allows you to turn down the temperature about 25 degrees. Foods will cook just as quickly.

Stove top

Turn off electric burners several minutes before the allotted cooking time.

The heating element will stay hot enough to finish cooking most dishes. The same is true with oven cooking.

Match the size of the pan to the heating element.

Consider using a pressure cooker. By cooking food at a high temperature and pressure, cooking time is reduced dramatically and energy use is cut by 50 to 75

Dishwasher

If your dishwasher has an air-dry setting, choose it instead of heat-drying.

Youll cut your dishwashers energy use 15 to 50 percent. If theres no air-dry setting, turn the dishwasher off after its final rinse and open the door. The dishes will dry slowly.

Refrigerator

Refrigerators and freezers consume about a sixth of all electricity in a typical house. Get rid of that older, energy-hogging second refrigerator in the garage. Modern refrigerators use 60 percent less electricity on average than 20-year-old models. (Note: Always dispose of an older refrigerator or freezer properly. Make sure the door is removed so children cannot be trapped inside.)

Refrigerators with the freezer on either the bottom or top are the most efficient.

Buy the right size refrigerator for your needs. Too large a refrigerator may waste space and energy.

Open the refrigerator door as little as possible. Get in and out quickly.

Label leftovers so you can quickly see what they are.

Barbecue grills

Grilling foods is a great way to conserve on electricity, particularly if youre using charcoal, not gas. Grill extra food, then microwave the leftovers during the week.

Small appliances

Unplug all appliances that dont need to be plugged in all day and night.

Many small appliances continue to draw power, even when they are switched off.

More energy-saving tips

Access these Web sites: www.energystar.gov, www.pge.com,

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