WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Ad Council have launched a national consumer education campaign to help consumers save money by saving energy. Created pro bono by Texas-based advertising agency GSD&M, the public service advertisements (PSAs) aim to help consumers save on their energy bills by doing things such as sealing leaks in their homes and using energy efficient products.

The PSAs direct homeowners to energysavers.gov, where they can find tools and information to help them make their homes more efficient. Energy-saving tips on the website include saving more than $100 a year on heating and cooling bills by using a programmable thermostat to make sure the home is being conditioned only when it needs to be.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with DOE on this vital energy efficiency campaign,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “These PSAs will demonstrate to homeowners nationwide the variety of energy efficient alternatives that can provide sustainable savings over time.”

“We have a long history with, and are committed to supporting, the Ad Council on public issues affecting our nation,” said Duff Stewart, president and CEO of GSD&M. “That’s why we are honored to partner with the U.S. Department of Energy on the topic of energy efficiency and to help communicate easy ways to save money at home.”

Following the Ad Council’s model, the announcements will be distributed to media outlets nationwide and will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

To see the tips and the ads prepared as part of the campaign, visit www.energysavers.gov.

Publication date: 08/22/2011