'Home of the Future' in Folsom now

At a glance it may look like your grandparents' house, but cutting-edge features will make this the choice of a new generation of homebuyers who want energy efficiency and sustainability.

SMUD's "Home of the Future" has arrived in Folsom and is ready for viewing and sale. Built by local builder RJ Walter Homes, the 1,940-square-foot Craftsman-style bungalow is expected to have combined electric and gas bills totaling less than $24 a month at current rates.

Features include:

• Solar electricity and hot water
• LED lighting
• Advanced insulation
• Advanced water-cooled air conditioning
• Spectrally selective dual-pane windows that control heat gain and loss

Integrated energy-management systems in the home automatically adjust heating, cooling, lighting, home office, landscape irrigation and home entertainment systems to maximize energy efficiency and performance. They even control window blinds to let in just the right amount of heat and light.

With technical assistance from SMUD and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Home of the Future is only the third single-family residence in California to earn LEED Platinum certification - a benchmark of energy and water efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Visit the Home of the Future at 607 Mormon St. in historic Folsom or go to www.smudshomeofthefuture.org.

Save today, save tomorrow with LEDs

Now is a great time to switch to long-lasting, energy-saving LEDs (light-emitting diodes) for your holiday lighting.

LEDs come in a variety of shapes, colors and clusters, and because they give off almost no heat, they are much safer to use on live trees and decorations in your home.

Plus, they offer great visibility and durability. The first ones you buy may be the last ones you'll ever need because they last 50,000 to 100,000 hours.

Since LEDs use only about 20 percent as much electricity as standard incandescent lights, you can save about $4 a month on each 200-light string.

This year, LED holiday lights are more available and affordable than ever. Keep an eye out for special offers in many home improvement centers and department stores.

Stay warm, save money with tips for cold weather

SMUD offers these low-cost and no-cost ways to save on energy this winter:

• Set thermostats to 68 degrees when your home is occupied, and 55 degrees when it's not.
• Install a programmable thermostat -- once it's set, you're set!
• Open drapes on sunny days to let in the sun's heat. Close them at night and on cloudy days.
• Close fireplace dampers and cover fireplaces when not in use.
• Have heating systems checked professionally each year. Change filters about once a month.
• Add weather-stripping to doors and windows.

• Never use propane heaters, barbecues or any heater with an open flame indoors.
• If you purchase a portable heater, get one with an alarm or automatic shut-off feature in case of tip-overs.

More tips at www.smud.org.

Cast for cash at SMUD's Trout Derby

SMUD's Rancho Seco Lake will be stocked with 2,000 pounds of trout ready to be caught at the semi-annual Trout Derby, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14.

Cash prizes from $10 to $50 will be awarded to children 15 and under (places 1-6), and from $20 to $100 to adults 16 and over (places 1-14).

The entry fee is $3 per person, with a $5 per car entrance fee to the park ($4 for seniors). The derby runs from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Call (916) 732-4913 for details, or visit www.smud.org.

Campground reservations are also available.