How to Save on Utility Bills

Weatherization Assistance Program

Weatherization is the best way to cut utility bills. WAP helps low-income families lower their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. The U.S. Department of Energy provides funding to states, U.S. overseas territories and Indian tribal governments. Those governments have a network of nonprofits, community groups and local government agencies that provide weatherization services to households in each state. More information is available here.

Special preference goes to families with someone 60 or older, children, or one or more members with a disability.

Utilities can help

Your utility company can help, too. If you are having trouble paying your utility bill or want more information on how to lower your energy bills, your utility should be your first contact. Many offer budget-billing programs that let you pay a set amount each month.  

Some offer special protections for customers who have disabilities, are on Supplemental Security Income or are on medical life-support equipment. The utility company will devise an affordable payment plan or put you in touch with a nonprofit that may be able to help. 

Ask about rate options as well. Some utilities offer a low-income rate discount. Others offer time-of-use rates that lower bills if you can move your consumption off-peak.

4 ways to cut utility costs

With or without help from government programs or your utility, you can still take steps to curb rising energy costs. Here are some ways to save. 

Banish power vampires. The modern home has lots of devices that suck electricity even when turned off, costing an average of $100 per year, according to the Department of Energy. Chargers for phones, tablets and other cordless devices drink juice even when they are not charging anything, so unplug them when not in use. Likewise, turn off or unplug televisions, computers, cable boxes and game consoles — anything with a little indicator light.

Cover your windows. Homes lose about 30 percent of their heating energy through windows in the winter, and 76 percent of sunlight that falls on double-pane windows becomes heat in the summer. Consider blackout curtains.

Upgrade to LED lighting. You can cut the amount of energy used by your light bulbs by up to 90 percent if you switch from traditional incandescent bulbs to light-emitting diodes. LED lights also last 25 times longer, meaning you won’t spend as much on new bulbs over time.

Get all rebates and tax credits. States and some municipalities offer incentives for everything from installing solar panels to buying an electric car to upgrading home appliances. DSIRE, a searchable database of renewable-energy and energy-efficiency incentives maintained by North Carolina State University's NC Clean Energy Technology Center, can help you find programs in your state.​ 

Editor's note: This story, originally published on August 31, 2022, has been updated to reflect new information.