Kids generally aren't aware of what things cost except for such favorites as video games, dolls, sneakers and baseball cards. When it comes to lights and electricity, they're totally in the dark. They probably think that watts mean how much light a bulb gives off rather than the truth -- how much it costs to operate it. Simply put, they need to know that the bigger the bulb the bigger the bill, and the longer it burns, the more it costs, and so on. Teach kids that lower-wattage bulbs often work just as well. Also tell them to light only the area they're in at the time, rather than lighting up the whole house. The latter keeps the meter spinning like a top. If words and demonstrations don't do the trick, add motion-detector switches in rooms they use most and put automatic on/off door switches in their bathrooms and closets. And that's the On The House tip for today.