George K.
Have you ever gone to pay your electric bill and wondered, am I paying too much for electricity? While you can’t live comfortably without your electricity, you shouldn’t be overpaying for it either.
Different factors affect electricity rate, including location, energy usage, and types of appliances in your home.
Read this quick guide to learn more about whether your electricity bill is normal and what you can do to pay less.
Factors Affecting Electricity Rate
Most people think about the cost of electricity as the rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This is a fancy term for how much electricity your home uses. In some areas, it is this simple, but for most people, it is a bit more complicated.
Your electric bill can vary by the state you live in or the provider. Some individuals or families pay the same amount for electricity every month, but others pay a different rate each month.
Usually, a variable rate in electricity costs is because of the cost of fuel or a high demand for the grid controlling the electricity in your area.
Is My Electric Bill Normal?
Learning about your electricity bill is the best way to answer this question. Find out whether you are on a fixed rate (same every month) or a variable plan (cost based on usage.) You may also be on a different plan such as a tiered or demand rate.
Take a look at your electric bill and see what plan you currently have. Then, you can decide whether it’s time to switch providers. If you want to compare Houston electric companies you can do it easily online.
So the answer to the question, what should my energy bill cost is, it depends. Across the country, rates vary from $30-$50 up to $300-$500 a month.
How to Save on Your Electric Bill
You can save money on your monthly electric bill by making a few small adjustments.
If you have central heating or air conditioning, this is likely the cause of the majority of your bill. It can account for almost 50% of your total monthly bill. You can try using these systems less or investing in a more efficient HVAC system.
Your water heater is another big cost on your bill. You can use less hot water by running the dishwasher and the washing machine less. You can also commit to a shorter shower!
Other appliances that are plugged in are usually a smaller part of the bill. But you can save a little money by unplugging items when they are not in use.
Don’t Overpay On Electric
You’ve already taken the first step to saving money on your electric bill. The more you know about your rate, the smarter you can be with deciding on an electric company that suits you.
You can also read your bill and brainstorm strategies for using less electricity. Don’t waste money paying an unreasonable electricity rate!
Looking for more home and lifestyle advice? Read some of our other articles!
