The Oct. 26 editorial, Uninspiring energy-efficiency standards, was long on rhetoric and short on specifics.

I have proven that we can achieve real efficiency and do it with little or no financial pain or reduction in lifestyle. I reduced my usage by 40 percent.

First, I had FPL do an analysis of my home, built in 1978. I replaced leaky, poorly insulated air conditioning ducts. I paid an extra $1,000 for a new A/C system with a 17/18 efficiency rating.

Incandescent bulbs are a thing of the past in my house. The Legislature should phase them out over the next five years. And the three most important words are -- insulation, insulation and insulation.

During peak use FPL can shut off my pool pump and/or A/C for 20 minutes per hour. I don't think they have used it once, but I get paid every month for participating. I have been paid more than $1,500 for participating.

I installed solar water heating, which should be required on all homes with a southern exposure.

These improvements cost me between $8,000 and $10,000. For those who can't pay cash, we need a program for financing through electric bills.

5 !!END TAG!! Plantation