Observed annually on January 10, National Cut Your Energy Costs Day serves as a timely reminder for households and businesses to take a closer look at their energy use and identify opportunities to save. Rising costs and changing energy needs make it more important than ever for consumers to understand their options and take practical steps toward efficiency.
The Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA) supports these efforts by advocating for competition and innovation in retail energy markets. In recognition of National Cut Your Energy Costs Day 2026, RESA is sharing straightforward, actionable ways consumers can manage energy use, control expenses and make informed choices.
Evaluating Your Energy Use
Before costs can be reduced, energy use must be understood. A simple energy audit, whether done independently or with professional assistance, can help identify where energy is being wasted. Common areas include aging appliances, inadequate insulation and everyday usage habits that quietly increase your bills.
For businesses, professional audits can reveal larger inefficiencies and provide customized recommendations, such as upgrading equipment, improving lighting systems or fine-tuning heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) operations. These changes often lead to meaningful long-term savings.
Practical Ways to Lower Energy Costs
Small changes can make a noticeable difference. Consider these cost-saving strategies:
- Replace outdated appliances with energy-efficient models that use less electricity without compromising performance.
- Seal gaps and leaks around doors, windows and ductwork to keep heated or cooled air from escaping.
- Use programmable or smart thermostats to manage temperature settings throughout the day better.
- Switch to LED lighting, which uses far less energy and lasts significantly longer than traditional bulbs.
- Reduce any “phantom” energy use by unplugging electronics or using power strips and smart plugs.
- Shop for energy supply options in states with retail energy choice to find plans that fit your budget and usage needs.
Why Retail Energy Choice Matters
In states with retail energy choice, consumers are not limited to a single energy supplier. Instead, they can select plans that align with how and when they use energy. Competition encourages suppliers to offer more flexible pricing, innovative products and services that help customers manage consumption more effectively.
For some consumers, fixed-rate plans offer stability and predictability. Others may prefer renewable energy options or time-of-use pricing. The ability to choose allows consumers to take greater control over both costs and sustainability goals.
RESA’s Ongoing Commitment
RESA believes that informed consumers are essential to a healthy, competitive energy marketplace. National Cut Your Energy Costs Day provides an opportunity to highlight the role consumer choice plays in driving innovation and affordability.
Retail energy suppliers continue to offer a wide range of products designed to meet diverse needs, from price certainty to renewable options and advanced usage insights, to helping customers make decisions that work for them.
Small Steps Add Up
Lowering energy costs doesn’t require sweeping changes. Adjusting habits, making targeted upgrades or reviewing supply options can lead to real savings over time. These efforts also support broader efficiency goals by reducing unnecessary energy use.
For National Cut Your Energy Costs Day 2026, take a few moments to review your energy use and explore available options. Whether it’s sealing air leaks, adjusting thermostat settings or shopping for a new supplier, every step toward efficiency makes an impact.
