Ad hoc networks such as Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) are characterized by the scarcity of energy resources (among other resource types). Their intelligent design can extend their lifetime without compromising the operation of network nodes and the applications running on them. To this end we propose an adaptive epidemic scheme that helps reduce energy expenditure through intelligent tuning of the infection (forwarding) rate. Redundant communications and experienced error rate drive the adaptation of the forwarding rate. Simulation results show that significant energy gains can be obtained through the proposed scheme.