Jul. 24--Summer is the peak season for California's power grid, a time when air conditioners push up the energy demand -- and cost -- on the system and its users.

The so-called Smart Grid, the proposed digital technology system that would allow consumers to better manage their electricity, may eventually relieve pressure on the grid and reduce electricity costs. But even while awaiting its arrival, consumers can find lots of ways to reduce energy consumption, said Stephanie McCorkle, communications director for the California Independent System Operator, the nonprofit manager of the statewide energy grid.

"Asking people to use fans instead of air conditioners, to set their pool pumps to run during off-peak hours, to do their laundry after dinner -- all those tips are still very valuable," McCorkle said. "It can reduce the strain on the grid and also reduce their bills."

Energy experts say you can lower your costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting back on everything from hot water to lighting and appliances. And don't forget so-called "vampire" or "phantom" loads -- the standby electrical power that televisions, microwaves, computers and other appliances draw while plugged in unless fully switched off.

According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the typical American home has 40 products constantly drawing power, and those products -- when not in use --represent 10 percent of residential

energy consumption.

"We're the fast-food generation. We want everything now," said Tom Reddoch, executive director of energy utilization for the Electric Power Research Institute, a nonprofit funded by the electric utility industry that conducts research on key issues facing the power industry. "Any gadget you can turn on that goes into full-power mode immediately takes idling energy to initiate, and you'll pay the price. It guarantees you'll have a vampire presence."

One way many people can reduce their energy consumption is to buy new appliances. In most cases, they're vastly more efficient than older models. But be sure to purchase energy-efficient Energy Star-labeled models.

Here are some other tips:

Air conditioners

Set your thermostat between 78 and 80 degrees, and turn the system off when you're gone for more than four hours during the day. Consider installing a programmable thermostat that offers pre-programmed settings.

If buying a new air conditioner, look for a residential ductless heat pump system, which offers improved comfort, less noise, and energy savings of 10 to 30 percent.