Many power utility companies offer Time-Of-Use plans. These plans charge more for electricity during peak demand hours in the afternoon and less during off-peak times at night or early morning.
Unplug devices that are not in use or plug them into smart power strips to reduce “phantom power” usage. This phantom energy significantly contributes to your home’s overall electricity consumption.
Time-of-Use (TOU)
The electric company Fort Worth and third-party energy providers offer TOU plans that vary electricity rates based on the time of day. These plans typically have peak demand periods (like late afternoon into the evening) and off-peak periods when electricity is less expensive.
TOU rate plan users can significantly lower their bills by shifting energy usage to off-peak hours. This approach also helps reduce strain on the electric grid during peak times, and it supports a cleaner power supply by encouraging energy use when renewables like solar and wind are most available.
Unplugging electronics — especially those that “vampire” energy from being plugged in even when they’re not turned on, such as video game consoles and televisions — is another easy way to cut costs.
Smart Metering
Smart meters allow customers to have more detailed information about their energy usage. With this, they can better manage their consumption to cut costs and save energy.
This data also allows energy providers to implement new programs, like time-of-use rates. The meter can also allow customers to sign up for a prepaid program, which allows them to avoid overdue bills.
Another big benefit is that the meters provide real-time data about outages. When the power goes out, you can see how many meters are affected and how long it’s been out. This information helps you better communicate with your customers and improve your system’s average interruption duration index.
Lastly, smart meters can help you reduce costs and labor by reducing the number of truck rolls. If a customer calls to report an outage, and you know the meter is smart, you can send the truck out on the next available route. This can be a huge cost savings, especially in rural areas where workers are hard to find.
Energy-Saving Appliances
Energy-saving appliances are a great way to save money on your power bill and are also a good idea for the environment. By using appliances with lower electricity consumption, you reduce the demand for energy from the utility grid and lessen the need to produce fossil fuels to generate that energy. Replacing older appliances with energy-efficient models helps reduce electricity usage. Look for those with the ENERGY STAR label, which means they exceed federal standards. Energy-efficient appliances typically cost more upfront but offer reduced electricity bills over their lifespan.
Unplug electronics and appliances, such as your microwave oven or desktop computer, when not in use. An advanced power strip can also help eliminate “vampire loads” by reducing the amount of electricity used when devices are on standby.
Only run large, heat-producing appliances like your air conditioner in the summer if needed. It’s also a good idea to ensure your house is tightly sealed and only leave the refrigerator or freezer running when needed. Energy-efficient lighting is another great way to save on your electricity bill. Adding LEDs or CFLs can reduce your electric usage and provide superior lighting quality that lasts longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Plus, it’s easy to find money-saving rebates and instant discounts on equipment and lighting for your business.
Energy-Saving Lighting
Lighting is a significant electricity use, accounting for around 11% of household energy consumption. By switching to LED and CFL bulbs, you can reduce your power bills without compromising on the quality of light.
Energy-efficient lighting uses up to 80% less energy than old incandescent and halogen bulbs, lowering electricity costs. This simple switch could save you $75 a year.
Unplugging electronics when they aren’t in use, rather than just turning them off, can help prevent them from drawing phantom loads of power (the energy used even when turned off). Doing this regularly could cut your electric bill by 10%.
Many power suppliers have plans that let you pay less for electricity when it is cheapest by paying extra during off-peak hours or allowing you to pay a fixed price per kilowatt-hour regardless of the times you use the most. These are great options if you want to avoid fluctuating rates or are concerned about a sudden spike in your energy bill. They can be combined with smart metering, for example.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
If you’re still dealing with high electricity bills after insulating your home, switching to an energy-efficient HVAC system will be the biggest step you can take. Newer units are far more efficient than older models and often integrate with smart home systems for easier operation. Federal, state, and local tax credits and rebates make them incredibly affordable investments.
Power plans are a great tool for lowering your energy bills. They allow you to adjust settings such as screen brightness and when your PC goes to sleep and offer various green energy options. You can also reduce energy costs by unplugging devices from outlets and using smart power strips to eliminate the “phantom” electricity they use even when turned off.
When choosing a power plan, look for transparent pricing and a good customer service record. Also, check out the provider’s rate plan types, including time-of-use plans and renewable energy options. In NYC, some electricity providers offer prepaid plans to help customers avoid credit checks, deposits, and disconnection fees.