You can qualify for more than $1,000 in incentives with HWE's Responsible Resource Home Program. > more

• Extension cords - Most homes today use electricity for more purposes than ever before. Most items such as cordless telephones, computers, printers and microwave ovens did not exist when many American homes were built. That means that a lot of homes do not have enough wall outlets in the right places and, as a result, causes us to rely more on extension cords. > more

• GFCIs in older homes - If you have an older home with an electrical system that doesn't include a grounding wire, can you update some outlets with ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)? The answer is yes. The National Electrical Code allows for replacement of outlets in ungrounded boxes with GFCIs. > more

• Is your wiring a fire hazard? - Today's average home uses about six times as much electricity as a home did a generation ago. If you have an older home your electrical system may not be up to the task of powering all the equipment we commonly use today. In fact, some estimates indicate that four out of five American homes are inadequately wired. > more

• Limit Extension cords to reduce risk of fire - If you use a lot of extension cords in your home or apartment, government safety experts say doing away with as many cords as possible can improve the safety of your home. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said homeowners can use fewer extension cords by taking the simple step of relocating floor lamps, clocks, radios, television sets and other electrical products closer to wall receptacles. > more

• Loose outlet? Safety alert! - If a lamp or appliance plug does not fit tightly into a wall outlet, it may be more than just an irritant -- it could be a safety hazard. > more