Residents of Connecticut have been experiencing a jump in their energy costs since January 1st, 2019 and they are feeling the financial pinch. This recent spike in electric rates comes on the heels of two years of increase in the cost of local utilities. They have sky-rocked a shocking 40 percent, putting residents in a very tough position when it comes to keeping their energy costs down.
There is no shortage of electric suppliers to choose from, so rate shopping is one obvious way to slash energy costs. Eversource and United Illuminating, the local utility companies, often compete for the same customer base, so alternative electric providers try to make their rates as competitive as they can to win new business. Many alternative electric companies also offer promotions or specials for new customers. It is worthwhile to look at different options when choosing a new electric supply company. Simply Switch energy will help you compare the costs and help you choose the suitable one.
There are plenty of other ways to shave money off your energy bill.
Power Down Appliances When You Are Not Home
Although it costs more money and uses more energy to constantly power up and shut down your computer, it is far less efficient to mindlessly leave your computer running all day and night long. Computers are silently sapping energy, even when nobody is using them. This is true for all of your other devices. Plugged in but idle devices are referred to as “vampire power”. You might not be thinking about the fact that they are sucking up energy, but they absolutely are. Unplug electronics when you’re not using them and remember to power down your computer. This simple step will save tons of money on energy costs.
Invest in Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
LED lights are the way to go if you want to cut back on your energy expenses. These lights use substantially less energy and are just as effective at lighting up your house. Of course, electric companies will tell you that one of the best ways to cut back on costs is to simply switch off your lights when you’re done using them.
Invest in Some Power Strips
Believe it or not, it costs more money and uses more electric when you plug a single appliance into the wall as opposed to using a power strip. Power strips conserve energy by simply acting as a single conduit from the wall plug to the power strip, lessening the power load.
Consider Getting A Smart Thermostat
We waste tons of energy by simply not paying attention to our usage. Smart thermostats are intuitive pieces of technology that learn our patterns and behaviors, and then respond accordingly by regulating our energy use automatically. They are specifically designed to save us on energy costs, padding our wallets and saving the environment at the same time!
Look for Energy Star Approved Appliances
You could be doing everything else right, but if your appliances are sucking up too much energy you’ll be spending far more on your energy bills than you have to. Appliances with the blue Energy Star logo are far more efficient than traditional appliances and will save you on your energy costs.
Think About Getting A New Water Heater
You can significantly cut back on your energy expenses by installing a more efficient water heater. Big energy companies like Eversource and United Illuminating know that cutting hot water costs will lead to far less energy use. Older water heaters tend to be far less efficient than newer models. The money that you spend buying and installing the water heater will be recouped in your energy bills.
Insulate Your Home for Winter
Residents in the Northeastern part of the country know that winters can be both brutal and energy draining. Our houses tend to leak hot air if they are not properly insulated. Putting a little plastic up on the windows and stopping up the area under doors will go a long way in keeping that warm air inside where it belongs.
It’s no secret that electricity rates are higher than ever, but there are plenty of steps that you can take to make sure that you keep as much money in your pocket as possible. Be a smart consumer and save!
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