How to Lower Electricity Bills in the Summer

Contact your local electricity company. The company that provides your area with electricity will vary depending on where you live. If you are new to the area, use a search engine to type in the name of your area and the words “electricity company” to see where your electricity is coming from.

Ask about discounts you can receive. Often, you can receive help with your bill year-round if you are in a low-income household, on disability, or have a limited income for other reasons. A representative of your electricity company will tell you what discounts are available.

Participate in a voluntary direct load control program, if available.^[2] These types of programs are widely available in most areas, and involve getting bill credits in exchange for allowing the electricity company to install a control switch on your air conditioner, heater, or other utility.

• The electricity company will turn the utility off during peak hours.
• Often, the utility is not shut off for long periods of time.
• Speak with an electrical company employee for more details.

Lower your cost per kilowatt hour. In many states, you can choose a company, called an energy supplier, instead of your utility to supply your power. Just like how you can choose your own cell phone company. Your bills would still come from your utility since the utility owns the power lines to your house, but the actual cost for your power is under your control. There are comparison websites where you can see several options for lower electricity rates per kilowatt hour with multiple energy suppliers and sign up within minutes. Be sure to read the fine print as some contracts have hidden fees or have a rate spike after the end of the contract term. You can research on your utility's website and the internet to find reputable companies to choose from.

Use energy efficient light bulbs. Compact fluorescent (CFL) and light emitting diode (LEDs) bulbs are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs because they use less energy.^[3] Your local hardware store will have these bulbs available for purchase.

• Check lamps and other lights to see if you are using any incandescent bulbs.
• [Change a Light Bulb|Replace all the incandescent bulbs]] in your house or office.
• CFL bulbs need to be recycled once they burn out.

Use energy efficient appliances. Microwaves, pressure cookers, or outdoor grills use less electricity than stoves and ovens.^[4] You can also use a clothes-line instead of a dryer. When purchasing new products, look for energy efficient options.

Check for proper insulation. Insulation cuts down on cooling costs because it helps keep cool air inside during the summer. Because insulation requirements have changed over the years, your home or place of work may not have enough insulation. Some types of insulation can be installed by you, and others need professional installation.

• Check for insulation in attics or crawl spaces, making note of areas where there is weathering or gaps in the insulation.
• Checking a wall's insulation is difficult and requires you to probe an electrical socket.^[5] Consult a professional for help.
• Batts are flexible blanket-like products that fit into spaces of the wall; these can be installed by homeowners.
• Foam or fiber insulation will need to be installed by a professional.