Southern California Edison customers can save up to $100 just for powering down during high energy usage times. Whatever the season, energy demands can cause prices to fluctuate. For example, in Southern California, they ask that you conserve energy during record high heat when energy is in high demand to keep folks cool. Likewise, in the winter months when extreme cold weather causes higher demand on energy use, it’s a great time to reassess what’s causing your bill to skyrocket.
See the SCE website for more information on how to save money on your electricity bill, and see our tips for how to save energy wherever you are.
How to save energy and save money:
- Shut off appliances and lights when not in use.
- For those appliances with a “sleep mode” consider using a power strip or surge protector and switching it off. Sleep mode can add 10% to your total energy costs, even though it seems like the unit is off!
- Use major appliances during off-peak times. For example, wash clothes on weekends and run the dishwasher at night. You may think that energy is energy, but conserving energy when everyone is using it will help reduce your peak time usage and save you money.
- Hang your clothes on a clothesline.
- Replace old inefficient appliances with new Energy Star models. In some cases, you may be eligible to receive rebates and tax write offs for upgrading. Check with your local power company, water company and accountant for details.
- Replace your lamps and/or light bulbs with energy efficient models.
- Fix or replace leaky appliances, sprinklers, faucets, sinks and toilets.
- Caulk or insulate around windows and doors or other draft-prone areas.
- Check with your local utilities to see if they offer free upgrades to things like sink faucet aerators, toilets, as well as rebates on appliances such as water heaters, whole house fans, solar panels and weatherproofing your home.
- Find out all the specific ways you can reduce YOUR home’s energy use and save money by taking the Free Home Energy Efficiency Survey.