How to Win Against High Power Bills in Connecticut

If you recently moved to Connecticut, you might have experienced bill shock when you received your first electricity bill. Even some residents are not aware of the fact that power rates in CT are some of the highest in the entire country.

The average residential electricity rate is currently at 22.68 cents per kWh, a whopping 66% higher than the national average of 13.6 cents per kWh. Even on the commercial level, CT power rates are higher by 59%, standing at 17.1 cents per kWh.

Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you have to pay steep energy bills for your entire stay in Connecticut — Whether you’re considering LED lights or thinking about switching electricity providers, there are a couple of things you can do to pull down your energy consumption to stay well within budget:

1. Invest In Energy-Saving Appliances

When shopping for appliances and electronic gadgets, you might be tempted to go for older models because they are obviously cheaper. But more often than not, such outdated appliances make you pay more in the long run because all the best energy-saving features are in newer models and more modern appliances. These may be more expensive in terms of initial cost, but they are more likely to keep your power rates lower than usual.

In any case, it’s better to check the average energy consumption of any electronic appliance or gadget that you bring into your Connecticut home.

2. Run Major Appliances During Off-Peak Hours

Another great way to manage your power bills is to first understand the concept of peak and off-peak hours. Basically, running your washing machine at 9 in the morning will not cost the same as running it at 11 at night. 

Energy rates are higher during peak hours, or when almost every resident of CT is using electricity one way or another. At night, or at least between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., there is not much demand for electricity and therefore you can get cheaper rates for your consumption. 

Thus, you are better off running big-ticket appliances like washing machines and dishwashers during these off-peak hours.

3. Protect Your House Against Air Leaks

If you’re already shocked at how high electricity rates are in Connecticut, wait until those winter bills come rolling in. CT sees some harsh winters, and you will no doubt spend a lot of electricity trying to keep the house from freezing over.

This is why it’s important for you to boost the insulation of your house, especially those parts where air usually leaks in, including the attic. You should also seal all other leakage points like the space between windows and the ductwork on doors to make sure you won’t be consuming extra energy just to keep the winter draft out.

4. Keep Your HVAC System Updated

Aside from sealing all possible leakage points in your home, you also have to make sure that your HVAC system is running smoothly and efficiently. Dirty or clogged air filters disrupt the free flow of air, thus, forcing the entire system to work harder just to keep the temperature at desirable levels.

A good rule of thumb to keep the HVAC system in top shape is to have them cleaned at least once every three months. During heavy-use months, you should clean them even more frequently. 

5. Find a Utility Company with Better Rates

Finally, you can also bring down your power bills dramatically by finding a utility company that charges better rates. If you’re wondering if it’s even possible for you to opt-out of your current energy provider to sign up with a different one — the answer is yes, indeed. Connecticut has deregulated its power market, which means you can actually canvass different utility providers to see which one produces the best and cheapest average electric bill in CT. 

Once you’ve identified which provider offers the best rates, the only thing left to do is sign up for your service and watch your power bills start to climb down.

Living in CT can be quite expensive, so you are encouraged to do everything you can to lower your energy bills, so you can reserve funds for other things that matter more.