Electricity costs are spiking... what can I do ?? I live in MD where the local power company has decided to raise rates 50% now that prices have been deregulated... any ideas on how to save anymore... I have set the thermostat to 76, turned the hot water temperature down to 90 and imposed a family hot water restriction (shower water runs no longer than 5 minutes per shower)... we will no longer use the dishwasher, washer/dryer at peak electric periods and we now charge our cell phones in the car... anything else I am missing here aside from building a windmill or putting solar panels on my roof (both violate HOA covenants) ???

Other Answers (11)

• Refigerators, even energy efficient ones are costly to run.
  I bought an apartment size one the size of large box and a small freezer, very popular in the UK... My electric bill was 35% lower, and I wasted less food.Running the small freezer costs me $4.00 a month.
  Thermostat ideally should be set about 68, baths take less water than a shower, drying clothes outside on good days even during winter months will save you more than you expect.
  I dumped my home phone and now use only a cell.
  
  Summer : I open windows at night, close them and the drapes (on sunny side during the day) to preserve the cooler air rather use a fan or air conditioner.
  Winter I use a plastic inside and out on drafty windows, along with heavy homemade drapes.
  I bought a special heating element tape that wraps around the pipes in the winter ( aaprox. $200 good to well below freezing) so that I don%26#039;t have to warm the cellar or rooms I really don%26#039;t use.
  I switched to a gas heater in the parlour, that warms the main room and the upstairs computer room .
  I live in Vermont so I am accustomed to frost in the bedrooms
  (that%26#039;s almost a joke).
  If you children, teenagers, make it a challenge award the winning %26quot;conservationist%26quot; of the month with a gift, a small portion of the month%26#039;s savings or a 20 minute hot shower !!!
  
  Good Luck. 0% 0 Votes 14% 1 Vote 0% 0 Votes
• The only other thing I%26#039;d recommend compared with all the suggestions you%26#039;ve received is. Check your insulation, maybe you need the modern efficient insulation. And try a timer on your thermostat. we time our so it only is needed when we get up in the morning and in the evenings. We find we use less energy when we go out. In hot days, we go north to the parks or visiting others or to a/c places. When its cold we use more blankets. the other thing is if anyone in the family has a gym membership they could shower at the gym. 0% 0 Votes