BOSTON — As homes and neighborhoods across Massachusetts light up for the holidays, Eversource is sharing simple ways customers can create a festive atmosphere while managing energy use, saving money and staying safe throughout the season.

"From holiday lights and family gatherings to extra time spent cooking, this is a busy and joyful time of year," said Eversource Energy Efficiency Manager Bill Stack. "We want our customers to enjoy every bit of it without worrying about higher energy use or safety risks. A few easy steps—like using LEDs, setting timers and being mindful of how and when appliances are used—can help reduce energy usage, make bills more manageable and keep celebrations safe."

Customers can reduce energy use by switching from older incandescent holiday lights to LED decorations, which use up to 90 percent less energy, last significantly longer, stay cooler and reduce the risk of fire. Using programmable timers ensures lights aren’t left on all night, while advanced power strips can eliminate standby energy loss, particularly helpful for inflatables, some of which can add up to $12 per month to an energy bill.

Safety is an equally important part of holiday decorating. Eversource reminds customers to inspect all lights and extension cords before use and to discard any with cracked sockets, frayed wires or loose connections. When decorating outdoors, customers should always look up and stay far away from power lines, never raise ladders or lift objects near overhead wires, and ensure that any lights used outside are clearly labeled for outdoor use. Extension cords should never be placed under rugs or tightly coiled, as they can overheat, and outdoor decorations should always be plugged into GFCI outlets with cords kept off the ground and away from moisture.

Hosting and cooking for the holidays can also increase energy use, but small changes can help. Lowering the thermostat before guests arrive can make homes more comfortable when combined with body heat and oven warmth. Customers can save even more by waiting until the dishwasher is full before running it, air-drying dishes when possible, covering pots and pans while cooking, and choosing smaller appliances like toaster or convection ovens, which use significantly less energy than a full-size oven.

More holiday decorating, energy efficiency and electrical safety tips are available here.

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