Energy Savings as Big as Texas

Energy Savings as Big as Texas

At Energy Texas, we’re all about helping you find an affordable energy plan, without compromising on values like staying cool in the crazy summer heat. And we do it with renewable energy that doesn’t pollute the planet. Curious to know more? Read on and learn how to save. 

Why Is Electricity So Expensive Here?

If you’ve been a resident of our great state for a while, then you already know that the cost of electricity is going up. In fact, in the past 25 years the prices have fluctuated up and down, but overall they keep rising. 

2000-2006: Energy prices increased sharply

2008-2010: Prices decreased slightly and were stable

2012: Lowest prices since deregulation in 2002, under 11¢ per kWh

2014-2015: Prices increased to 13¢ per kWh

2016-2017: Prices dipped back to 11¢

2020-2021: Prices increased by nearly 12%

2022: Prices increased again, due to inflation and Winter Storm Uri in 2021.

There are multiple reasons for the price hike in recent years, including the huge number of folks moving to Texas (and so more demand), big weather events, and our dependence on fossil fuels.

Simple Ways to Save

Let’s start with the easy stuff – the simple changes and DIY projects you can do yourself, that will make a difference on your bills. 

When to Turn It On 

Did you know that electricity costs more at different times of day? During the evenings, when people get home from work or school and power up their appliances, devices, and heating or air conditioning, things get pricier. One way to save is by signing up for a variable rate plan, which charges different rates based on the time of day. Once you’ve done that, you can shift your major power usage to the times when it’s cheaper – things like doing laundry or running the dishwasher, or charging an electric vehicle. 

Adjust Your AC

We all need to stay cool in the summer heat. But for every 1 degree you raise your air conditioning, you will save an estimated 6% in energy use. The same goes for winters, and heating your home. Industry experts recommend setting your thermostat at 78° in the hot months, and 68° in the colder ones. If all Texas residents did this, it would decrease demand, as well as help reduce strain on the power grid. 

Put the Sun to Work

During the day, let the sunlight in! Opening up your curtains will help illuminate your home, cutting down on the need for ceiling lights and lamps. Lighting accounts for around 4% of a typical home’s energy use, and by letting natural light do the heavy lifting, you can save.

Weatherproof Your Home

Here’s another fact you might not know: the air conditioning or heating in your home likes to escape through cracks and crannies. You can pick up weatherstripping at your local hardware store and install it yourself around windows, door frames, and entrances to your attic. A tube of caulk also works wonders, and it’s easy to apply it yourself on a lazy Saturday. 

Bigger Projects, Bigger Savings

Insulate Yourself

Making sure that your insulation is up to snuff helps, too – in the walls but particularly in the attic, where a lot of heated or cooled air can sneak outside. Since heat rises, nearly two-thirds of the heat produced by your HVAC system can escape through an improperly insulated attic in the winter. But summer isn’t much better, with up to 40% of cooled air escaping the same way. Unless you know your insulation facts and are installation-savvy, it’s a good idea to have a professional come to your home to take a look. 

Get Smart with Thermostats

Today’s smart thermostats can help you save money, with less effort than using a programmable thermostat. You won’t waste money cooling or heating your home when you’re not there, and it’ll be easier for you to track your energy efficiency and savings, right from your mobile device. You can even create zones in your home with some HVAC systems, giving you more control over the temperature in different rooms. The overall savings will depend on a number of factors – for example, whether you live in a part of Texas where the climate is extremely hot, or where energy rates are higher, you’ll see more savings. 

Get Smart with Appliances, Too

You might have heard of ENERGY STAR, which is a public-private partnership administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that includes nearly 40% of Fortune 500 companies. Together, they work to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions that protect the climate, improve air quality, and improve public health. ENERGY STAR certified appliances include refrigerators, dishwashers, laundry machines, and more that are demonstrated to save energy (and so save you money). While they do require an initial investment, the savings can pay off in the long run. 

If you live in an especially dry part of the Lone Star State, it might also be worthwhile for you to invest in a swamp cooler, which uses moisture to reduce the temperature of air before distributing it around your home. A tankless water heater is also worth considering: rather than heating up water and letting it sit when you’re not in the shower or washing your hands, it creates hot water on demand. 

Go Renewable

Signing up for a plan that is powered by renewable energy can also help reduce the cost of electricity. Whether you’ve got a home or a business, installing a renewable energy source like solar panels or a wind turbine on your property can help you save. If they’re connected to the grid, then you can even sell excess energy that you generate, but don’t use back to the power grid, earning direct rebates or credits from your local utility provider. 

Renewable energy also protects against price fluctuations caused by generating energy from fossil fuels. For example, during severe heat waves or cold snaps, when the demand for electricity skyrockets, you’ll be drawing energy from your own renewable sources, and so not subject to high prices. 

Ready to Start Saving?

At Energy Texas, we’re here to disrupt the status quo and beat out the competition on getting you a great rate for your energy. That’s why we exist: to offer affordable electricity plans that fit your needs and budget, whether you need to power a home or a business. Visit EnergyTexas.com to find out how you can reduce your bills without sacrificing comfort.