On Sunday, we start a five-day series called "Simple Steps: Cutting energy costs."

The series is useful, straight-ahead consumer journalism, offering practical and affordable tips to save on energy use this winter.

Staff writers Amy Calder, Larry Grard, Keith Edwards, Craig Crosby, Matt DiFilippo and Mechele Cooper talked to dozens of energy experts and local business owners about how to reduce heating-oil, electricity and gasoline consumption.

Most of the tips can be done for $1,000 or less and on short notice.

Please be sure to read the newspapers over the next five days. If you do so, and you follow the experts' advice, the payoff will be handsome.

-- Eric Conrad,

executive editor