Ames in Focus: Conservation with Layne Fober

When temperatures climb, electricity use tends to climb right along with them. This summer, Ames Electric Services asked customers to help conserve energy during periods of high demand, and Ames customers responded. In this episode of *Ames in Focus*, Bill Gebhart sits down with City of Ames Energy Services Coordinator Layne Fober to say thank you and to explore why those individual conservation efforts can make a difference for Ames' locally owned electric utility. Layne explains what happens when electricity demand reaches its peak, why reducing that peak can help control costs, and how hundreds or thousands of customers making small changes at the same time can have a much bigger impact. But energy conservation isn't just for the hottest days of summer. Bill and Layne talk about practical ways to use energy more efficiently throughout the year, from adjusting the thermostat and changing when you run appliances to reducing air leaks, checking insulation, replacing filters, and developing simple habits around the house. They also take a closer look at the free home energy audits available to Ames Electric customers. Layne explains what happens during an audit, how tools like a blower door test can help identify problems, and how the results can help homeowners prioritize improvements. And if the thought of making your home more energy efficient immediately has you seeing dollar signs, don't panic. The conversation includes ideas for making a difference whether you have nothing to spend, $100 to work with, or you're ready to tackle a larger project. In this episode: - Why Ames Electric asks customers to conserve during peak demand - How individual conservation efforts add up across the community - The connection between peak demand and electric costs - Simple ways to conserve energy at home - Why *when* you use electricity can matter - Reducing air leaks and improving home efficiency - Free home energy audits for Ames Electric customers - Energy-saving options for different budgets - Preparing your home for colder weather - Building energy-saving habits that work year-round Energy conservation doesn't have to mean sitting in the dark or making major changes to your lifestyle. Small decisions can add up, helping you use energy more efficiently while supporting Ames' locally owned electric utility. Ames Electric customers interested in learning more about energy efficiency or signing up for a free home energy audit can contact Energy Services Coordinator Layne Fober at [Layne.Fober@CityofAmes.org](mailto:Layne.Fober@CityofAmes.org) or 515-239-5177, or visit CityofAmes.org/Electric.