5 Tips For Lowering Your Electricity Rates During Peak Season
Regarding electricity, most people need to realize that REPs charge higher rates per kilowatt-hour (kWh) during peak hours.
When you understand how peak hours work, you can save money by minimizing the energy you need during these times. Doing so lets you take pressure off the power grid and help keep your electric bill low.
Turn Down the Heat
Turning the heat down – or even off altogether – when you’re not home can help you save a lot of money. Some energy companies offer discounts to customers who use a lower temperature during their off hours.
While this can be an excellent way to reduce your electricity bill, you should also consider the safety of your home and family. It’s essential to keep your thermostat at a safe level that won’t cause any harm to you, your pets, or the environment.
One of your home’s most significant energy uses is the heating and cooling system. This is one reason you may see higher electric bills during peak season.
But if you’re enrolled in Time-of-Use billing, you can use this time to your advantage and save on electricity costs. This program allows you to pay lower rates for your electricity during off-peak hours, which can add up for the year.
Turn Off the Washing Machine
The washing machine is one of the most energy-consuming appliances in your home. It uses a considerable amount of electricity to heat the water.
This is why it’s essential to do your laundry during off-peak hours. These are times when the energy demand is lower, so you’ll pay less for your power.
Avoid using your clothes dryer during peak hours is also a good idea. Cooling down the clothes after they’ve been washed takes a lot of energy, so delaying your usage until off-peak hours will help reduce your overall electricity costs.
Another way to save on your energy bill is to turn off the heaters and air-conditioners when you’re not using them. These are high-use appliances, and they can lead to increased electricity use and higher prices.
To avoid this, you must have a time-of-use plan with your energy provider, like electric rates in Pennsylvania. These plans offer lower rates for your power during off-peak hours, so it’s a great way to reduce your bills.
Turn Off the Lights
If you’re looking to save money on your electricity bills, one of the best ways is to turn off the lights when you leave a room. This can help you reduce the energy you use and extend the life of your light bulbs.
It’s also a great way to keep your house cooler during the summer. This will help lower your energy costs and cooling bills in the long run.
In addition to saving money, turning off the lights is a great way to support climate change awareness and help protect wildlife. Research shows that turning off the lights is among the most effective energy-saving actions at home. According to the World Wildlife Fund, it is a “symbolic” way to show that you care about climate change.
Turn Off the Television
Leaving your television on can increase electricity bills, as it uses a lot of energy. However, turning it off when you’re not using it can also help save energy and reduce your monthly bill.
Whether or not you should turn off your TV depends on several factors, including your personal preferences and your electricity provider’s guidelines. For instance, if you have an older TV that uses more energy, switching it off might be more energy-efficient when you’re not using it.
It’s also important to note that modern TVs still consume electricity even when turned off. This is because many of them have features that continue to run when they’re in standby modes, such as voice recognition or clocks.
Fortunately, most televisions now come with built-in energy-saving features that can cut off the power to your TV when it isn’t in use. These features can be activated by simply pressing the TV’s power button. Some models even have a sleep timer that automatically turns the TV off when it detects that it’s been idle for a set period.
Turn Off the Refrigerator
The fridge is one of the most energy-consuming appliances in your home. It must always stay cool to store food and keep it fresh.
But does it make sense to leave it on when you’re not home? You can save much money by turning your refrigerator off during peak season.
This is because utility companies charge higher rates during peak times. If you’re on a time-of-use plan, you could be paying as much as 3x more to run your fridge during those expensive hours of the day.
However, if you plan to leave your fridge on for long periods, empty it and defrost the ice first. This will prevent odors from developing.
Also, be sure to unplug it after each use. This will prevent a buildup of dirt, bacteria, and mold. It will also help you avoid having to deal with costly repairs later.