Mayor Allan Fung is confident that the Rhode Island Energy Challenge is just another competition the city of Cranston will win.

The Rhode Island Energy Challenge Find Your Four! is a statewide energy efficiency campaign that challenges Rhode Islanders to save energy in their homes through simple actions such as unplugging items when they are not in use or using LED bulbs.

Fung and North Smithfield Town Administrator Paulette Hamilton were at last Wednesday’s launch event to announce their towns’ intention to take part in the challenge. The “winner” will be whichever city has 5 percent of their residents signed up on the campaign’s website and taking part in the challenge.

“We are committed to helping all of our residents, citizens and businesses alike save on energy costs,” said Fung, “and believe me, Cranston intends on winning.”

The friendly rivalry could be seen as Hamilton explained how her town is already committed to the environment with one of the largest green and clean days in the state, among other environmental causes.

“It’s already part of the culture,” said Hamilton. “I do echo the sentiments, but I’ve got to tell you Allan, we’re going to get there first.”

The campaign, which was launched at a luncheon at Roger Williams Park Casino, is a partnership between National Grid, Opower (a Washington, D.C.- and San Francisco-based company that promotes energy efficiency) and SmartPower (a non-profit that encourages Americans to make smart energy choices). The challenge is the first of its kind and is online and in the community.

“People are going to be able to go online and see their energy usage versus their neighbors,” explained Matt Ray, outreach manager for SmartPower. “Then they can challenge their neighbors.”

Nicholas Corsetti of National Grid said that through this campaign, his company has the potential to save their customers $10 million by 2014.

National Grid and SmartPower were on hand to help those at the event start finding ways to lower their energy costs. National Grid was providing sign-ups for free home energy audits through the EnergyWise program. A representative from National Grid will come to examine all the areas of one’s house for energy use and provide a printed report of recommendations to save money on energy.

They will also provide information on rebates and loans should the home require expensive improvements such as insulation and air sealing.

Just for having the audit, the homeowner will also receive compact fluorescent light bulbs and advanced power strips for free.

While individuals can sign up on their own for the challenge, businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities are also encouraged to create custom challenges. Those employers or city officials can invite their employees or constituents to sign up for Find Your Four! and race to be the first to get 5 percent of their residents, members or employees to reduce their energy consumption. Citizen’s Bank and Banneker Industries in North Smithfield are two businesses in the competition, while Rhode Island Interfaith Power and Light and People’s Power and Light are two non-profits.

Cranston and North Smithfield are the only municipalities in the challenge at this time.

Fung said the 5 percent goal was reasonable and he was committed to helping his residents become “energy champions,” the honor bestowed on those who find their four.

“I can personally say I am committed to finding my four,” said Fung. “Saving money – who doesn’t like that?”

For the Rhode Island Energy Challenge, Ray explained that the “four” participants need to find are four simple actions around the house that can reduce one’s energy consumption.

He said it could be as small as unplugging the charger from the wall as opposed to just disconnecting it from one’s phone or laptop.

“It’s the small stuff. The stuff you may not think about,” said Ray. “We’d love you to do more than four, but the goal is four.”

Brain Keane, president of SmartPower, said many homeowners might not realize the biggest energy drain in homes. He said it used to be the refrigerator because it needed to be on all day, every day, but that is no longer the case.

“It’s the flat screen TV,” said Keane, explaining that most flat screen TVs still use energy even when they are off. “It’s about $100 a year per TV.”

SmartPower even provided a list of some easy actions and savings they can result in.

Washing laundry in cold water can save 63 kwh and $9 a month. Having a programmable thermostat and lowering the temperature between 6 and 8 degrees at night and when no one is home will save $16.50 each month. Also, turning off lights, appliances, stereos and computers when not in use will save customers $9 a month.

To find out more information or to register for the challenge, go to www.FindYourFour.com.