How to save money by raising electricity tariffs

Ada GradyDecember 29, 2022

Eversource and United Illuminating customers can expect an increase in bill payments effective January 1st.

CONNECTICUT, USA — The new year is just a few days away, and with it new rate hikes for Eversource and United Illuminating customers. You can expect to pay your electricity bills for about $80 per month. Ahead of the January 1st increase, there are a few steps you can take to try and save money.

Starting in the kitchen, Eversource recommends letting food cool before putting it in the refrigerator. Hot food can drop the temperature inside and make it use more energy.

Also, an overloaded refrigerator can make it work harder.

Instead of washing dishes by hand, use a dishwasher. Check if your dishwasher has an eco function. Experts say most newer models have it, and you can opt for a more energy efficient cycle.

“This will improve efficiency because it will only be cold water. This water needs to be physically pressed, but most of them have automatic detection,” said Elena Hines, sales representative for SK Lavery.

Energy prices change twice a year, so this tariff increase will last from at least January 1 to June 30. During several of these months it is cold, so look for any places where you can eliminate drafts, such as windows and doors.

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“Even if it’s just a small crack, it will significantly cool the house. So filling those cracks can really help,” said Bob Krieger, owner of Katz’s ACE Hardware.

When it comes to laundry, Eversource recommends avoiding using too much detergent, as this can cause your washer to consume more power due to the need to add extra rinse cycles.

Dry two or more items in a row, the extra heat helps the dryer use less energy. And again check if you have some kind of ecocycle.

Rising prices are forcing people to look for more economical options.

“Most of the time we ask, how energy efficient is this? Does it save water? How will it save money? All these questions,” Hines said.

With only a few days left before the rate hikes go into effect, we still have time to make small changes that could make a big difference.

“They are all inexpensive. You can do it, it’s easy, it will save you at least $100 this winter, if not more, if you just do a few things,” Krieger said.

More energy saving tips from Eversource can be found here.

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