CPS Energy customers can save on utility bills by purchasing energy-efficient appliances for their kitchens. Comparing Energy Guide labels on new appliances and using alternative methods to cook meals can trim bills and save energy.  Here are some other ways to save energy in the kitchen: 

• Choose smaller pots and pans that will do the same job of cooking as larger ones because they don’t take as long to heat up.
• While shopping for cookware, consider buying copper-bottom pots and pans that heat up faster.
• Put a cooking pan on the burner that fits it best.  Make sure the pan covers the burner without extending an inch beyond it.  If the burner is wider than the pan, you’re wasting energy.
• A microwave oven is an energy-efficient alternative to a conventional oven.  It cooks food more quickly, and it uses 70 to 80 percent less electricity than a regular oven.
• Organize your meals to cook several dishes at once to take maximum advantage of your hot oven yet minimize heat buildup in the kitchen.
• Avoid opening the oven door to peek in and check on dinner, when you do the oven temperature can decrease by 25 degrees.
• Consider varying your summertime menu with selections that don’t have to be cooked such as fresh fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, etc.
• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.