National Cut Your Energy Cost Day is held annually on January 10 to bring homeowners and businesses key information on how to best achieve cost savings with their energy bills. At the Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA), we advocate for people’s right to choose their energy supplier.
In honor of National Cut Your Energy Cost Day, here are RESA’s best practices on how customers can shop effectively and take advantage of offers to save money on their energy costs.
- Research Your Options: Do you live in a state with a competitive retail energy market? If so, you have the power to choose an energy provider that fits your individual needs, at a competitive price. It’s important to research your options to make sure you have the best provider for your home or business. Check out the states section on our website to learn more about the available energy options, contacts, state news and more.
- Pull the Plug: Your phone, laptop, toaster oven, TV and other electronics will continue to draw electricity as long as they are plugged in. Make sure to unplug if you aren’t using these types of electronics or appliances. One tip is to use a power strip that you can easily turn off with one switch when not in use. Some even come with an auto shut-off feature to bring you instant savings.
- Monitor Your Thermostat: Heating and cooling your home or office can be one of the most expensive parts of your energy bill. It’s important to identify the spaces that need continuous temperature regulation and others that can vary throughout the year. Another option to consider is installing a programmable thermostat, which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states can save consumers between 10-30% on the space heating and cooling portions of their energy bills. Other tips include making sure your space is well-insulated and adding an extra layer of clothing before turning up the heat.
- Check Your Appliances: Older appliances such as refrigerators, washers or dryers can increase your energy and gas bill more than expected. Check your appliances’ energy consumption information and compare it to other options available on the market. It may be more cost-effective in the long run to purchase a new energy-efficient appliance. It’s also important to schedule routine maintenance for your HVAC and furnaces to make sure these systems are running efficiently.
- Flip the Switch: Make sure to turn off the lights for rooms you aren’t using. You can take your savings even further by installing LED bulbs and dimmer switches throughout your home or office.
Reducing your energy costs may be easier than you think. The most important step is making sure your energy provider is bringing you the service you need at a competitive price.
Curious to see if your state offers a competitive retail energy market? Click here to view our list of energy suppliers.
