The colder months often bring higher energy bills for homeowners. As temperatures drop, heating systems use more energy and darker days result in longer periods of artificial lighting.
Fortunately, reducing your electricity bill isn’t as complicated as you think. By taking certain actions at home, you can start lowering your bill today!
Time-of-Use (E-TOU) Rates
In California, most electricity rate payers experience higher rates during peak hours – every day between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. This is called a Time-of-Use (E-TOU) rate, which means that you pay more when energy demand is highest. You can save money by doing high-energy activities – such as running the dishwasher, doing laundry, charging electronics – during “off-peak” hours (before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m.).
Tips to Reduce Your Energy Bill
Check the hour before using power:
Plan high-energy activities like running the dishwasher or doing laundry before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m. For most CleanPowerSF customers, electricity rates are higher from 4 p.m.-9p.m.
Keep it Cool:
Set your water heater to 120 degrees F to save up to 22% of energy spent on water heating annually.
Wash full loads of laundry and switch to lower temperature settings to reduce energy consumption.
Set you refrigerator to 38 degrees F to minimize energy usage. Refrigerators typically consume the most energy of all kitchen appliances.
Use Smaller Appliances:
Use stoves, microwaves, toaster ovens, or grills. Small appliances use significantly less energy than ovens.
Plug home electronics into power strips and turn them off when not in use to prevent standby power consumption.
Use fans or space heaters instead of central thermostats whenever possible.
By implementing some of these tips at home, you can save energy and reduce your monthly bill this winter. Stay warm and energy efficient with CleanPowerSF.
