As Georgia celebrates the holiday season, Georgia Power reminds customers to keep energy efficiency, and safety, in mind. The company provides hundreds of useful tips online at www.GeorgiaPower.com/saveranging from lighting, to decorating to cooking.

Georgia Power recommends the following safety and energy efficiency tips this holiday:

• Light with LEDs. LED decorations can use more than 50 percent less energy than traditional incandescent decorations and last up to 10 times longer.

• Watch the Wires. Check each set of lights for frayed wires and cracked or broken sockets before use and look for certifications such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which indicate testing for safety.

• Spread the Load. Don't overload wall sockets or extension cords and follow instructions for connecting light sets end to end. Where possible, utilize different outlets on separate circuits.

• Timing Counts. Use timers to ensure that holiday decorations are only in use when people are at home, or awake, to enjoy them.

• Cook with Care. Avoid preheating the oven, cover pots and pans to keep the heat inside and use a pressure cooker, which can reduce energy use by up to 75 percent versus other cooking methods.

• Keep Warm Safely. Never leave a space heater unattended and ensure they are a safe distance from curtains and other flammable material. Electric blankets should never be used while sleeping or be placed under other items.