How to Save On Your Electric Bill by Switching Your Energy Company

Want to learn how to save on your electric bill? It’s no surprise that you do. After all, getting your electric bill in the mail can be a real shock these days. Just ask the residents of Texas who had to foot utility bills that skyrocketed to thousands of dollars over Valentine’s Day weekend in 2021. Families that would have normally consumed about $30 for a week’s worth of electricity were now facing bills of up to $4,500 for the same amount of consumption.   

Texas has a deregulated electricity market, and like most markets, there are wholesale and retail components. Retail competition for electricity is now a reality for most Texans – and it could soon be yours too. This is where consumers like you can learn how to save on your electric bill.   

The U.S. Department of Energy wants to impart the value of energy conservation. As such, it appears that our national civic duty as Americans involves asking ourselves the practical question: how can I reduce my electric bill – and help the planet at the same time?   

This guide offers some practical ways to do exactly that. From daily habits you can adopt to switching electric providers, you’ll be a lot wiser about how to save on your electric bill and become a more energy-efficient citizen

How Can I Reduce My Electric Bill?

There are many ways to reduce your electric bill. However, the key is to adopt habits that still allow you to live your ideal lifestyle. For example, you can use less energy by turning off lights when not in use, or using your ceiling fan instead of the air conditioning unit to keep cooling costs down.   

However, if you feel you need to keep the AC running all day to deal with those sweltering Texas summers, then it’s worth investing in energy-efficient appliances to keep your rates lower. Check out this list of Energy Star-certified appliances for items that will help you save on your electric bill and energy usage without sacrificing performance.  

Below are some effective ways to save energy at home that have the added benefit of lowering your electric bill. Some require more effort and commitment (and perhaps upfront costs) than others, but even incorporating just a few of these practices can make a difference!  

Cooking 

• Keep your oven door closed until you’re finished cooking. This will keep the hot air from escaping, thus saving you cooking time (energy) and money.  
• Turn off your oven 15 minutes or so before you finish cooking. Your oven will retain heat and still cook your meal to perfection.  
• Use the microwave or toaster oven for small and medium amounts of food rather than your full-size oven, which requires more energy to heat up.  

• Use well-fitted covers for your pots and pans so heat doesn’t escape during the cooking process.  
• Use a pressure or insulation cooker for food that takes a while to cook as this traps the heat needed for cooking your food even better.  
• Boil only as much water as you need to when using the kettle. Otherwise, you’re wasting electricity on boiling water that will just get cold.  
• Make toast in the toaster or toaster even – never use the full-size oven to crisp your bread.  

Dish washing 

• Turn your dishwasher off before the drying cycle starts and dry your dishes by hand – or leave them to stand overnight.  
• Only run your dishwasher when it’s full and ensure that it’s hooked up to your cold water supply. Dishwashers have internal thermostats that only require hot water for one wash and one rinse cycle.  
• If you’re shopping for a new dishwasher, go with the most water-efficient model available for energy savings and environmental protection. 

Laundry 

• If your washing machine is on its last leg, consider getting a front loader as these newer models use less water to wash clothes and cost less to operate than top loaders. 
• Use cold water settings (it’ll still get your laundry squeaky-clean!) and reserve the hot water for tackling tough stains.  
• Always wait until you have a full load before doing a wash.  
• Use the “automatic” setting instead of the timed setting so that the dryer automatically turns off when your clothes are dry.  
• If you really want to save on energy and electricity costs, hang your clothes out to air dry. This old-fashioned method requires no electricity.  

Most major appliances will come with an energy-saving rating that you can consider when it’s time to replace that old energy-guzzling oven or washing machine for your home. Choosing Energy Star-certified appliances can help you save money on operating costs and environmental impact

Can Switching My Electric Company Save Me Money?

Yes, switching electric companies can save you quite a bit of money. Energy rates in Texas vary significantly, which is why it’s essential to do your research and find out which rates and plans suit you. Just because a company touts the cheapest rates doesn’t mean it’ll provide you with the services or terms you need.  

For instance, Tara Energy has flexible rates and electricity plans that are affordable, reliable, and suit your particular lifestyle. Here are just a few of the options for you to consider:  

• Free Nights: This attractive plan means no charges between 9pm and 7am with flexible term lengths and a secure fixed rate that won’t fluctuate. 
• JustGreen: This option allows you to select a 100% renewable energy product. You can add 100% green energy for only $9.99 per month, which not only saves you money but also helps the environment. 
• Base Saver III: The most affordable plan from Tara Energy, this low-fixed electricity rate has no monthly or base fees and lets you sign up for 12 months. 

Where Can I Find Tara Energy in Texas?

Tara Energy is available throughout the deregulated markets of Texas, including:  

• Arlington 
• Conroe 
• Dallas 
• Fort Worth 
• Garland 
• Grand Prairie 
• Houston 
• Irving 
• Missouri City 
• Pasadena 
• Pearland 
• Plano 
• Rosenberg 
• Sugar Land 

 
Learn more about how to save on your electric bill with Tara Energy by reaching out to one of our customer service experts who are happy to help.  

Does Unplugging Things Save Electricity? 

Absolutely, yes. Appliances that are left in “standby” mode – your TV, sound system, DVD player, computer, etc. – consume about a fourth of the electricity that they would normally use if they were on. To save on your electric bill, plug multiple devices into power strips – that way, you can simply switch the strip to “off” without unplugging each appliance individually.   

What Costs the Most On Your Electric Bill?

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All appliances that involve heating and cooling account for almost half of your electric bill. A water heater is another big energy user while household appliances (like the fridge, washer, dryer, and oven) account for nearly 13% of the average household’s energy consumption. Of course, these figures vary with different homes and seasons.   

Lighting also uses about 9% of total electricity consumption at home and TVs and other media devices account for about 4% of energy costs. Adopting simple habits like unplugging appliances and devices when not in use, turning off lights, and using power strips for easy “on” and “off” can make a difference in your energy usage and utility bill.  

How Does an Air Conditioner Affect My Electricity Bill? 

Considering that HVAC costs are the largest consumers of energy in most homes, your AC unit significantly impacts your electricity bill. To ensure that cold air doesn’t escape, be sure that you have weather stripping and a properly insulated home

Most air conditioners are actually more efficient at heating than cooling, so the season will affect your electric bill too. A few no-cost tips: increase the thermostat by just a few degrees, make sure the air filters are routinely cleaned, and do not block the vents.   

What Are Some Practical Tips on How to Save On My Electric Bill? 

Energy saving ways to reduce your home energy electricity bill start with a survey of your home. With some smart thinking and applying new consumption habits, you can soon be saving money on your energy bill.  

How to save on your electric bill by adjusting your water heater:    

• Turning down your thermostat for your hot water heater by about 10 degrees Fahrenheit will make about a 5% difference to the hot water component of your electricity bill.  
• The optimal hot water tank temperature is pegged at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Any higher than that and you’re probably wasting money. 
• Other energy-efficient ways to save money are to simply use less hot water. Wash your hands and dishes with cold water. Shower with a water-saving showerhead instead of taking a bath to save multiple gallons of water every time. Every drop counts! 
• Install a timer for your programmable thermostat. Most plumbers and electricians can assist with this. Set it so that your water heater warms up when required. Show your water heater even more love and wrap it in a blanket. You can take this energy-efficient thinking a step further and insulate your pipes to prevent heat loss and reduce heating costs. 
• Keep your eyes peeled for leaky hot water faucets as the rubber washers perish easily, causing water to leak through the faucets.  

Moving onto light bulbs, invest in upgraded versions to save money in the long-run. Take stock of what energy-draining lights you can replace over time (i.e., when they blow out or when you can afford the upgrade).   

Here’s what you need to know about the different types of light bulbs:  

• Say goodbye to traditional incandescent bulbs and save. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are available for most light fittings. CFLs are renowned for drastically reducing the amount you spend on lighting as part of your energy bill. 
• Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs or LED light bulbs) are a bit more expensive. However, research shows that they will pay for themselves within a year. If you are renovating or installing lighting in a new part of your home, then LED technology is best suited to long strips of light that can easily be concealed under a cabinet or a headboard. 
• Use light only where you need it in your house, such as a reading lamp next to your favorite couch. 
• Remember that dark colors on your interior walls absorb way more light. Consider painting your house with paint colors that boost reflectivity, such as white or yellow, resulting in your light bulbs having less work to do.  
• Turn off your lights if you plan to leave a room for more than five minutes. 
• When considering the lighting in your garden, switch to solar if you haven’t already done so. After all, the sun won’t send you an energy bill. Motion-sensor lights are obviously more energy-efficient than leaving on a light that burns overnight. Letting natural light into your home – be it with a sky light, or just by leaving the curtains open until dark – are also good ideas. 

How Much Does Electricity Cost in Texas? 

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The average monthly Texas electric bill from an electric company is just shy of $130 or $1,550 annually. This is cheaper than the national average for energy consumption. Some residents of Texas have fixed rate plans, while others pay rates that are more reflective of wholesale market conditions.   

Thanks to deregulation, Texans can choose between getting their electric service from several retail providers, or sticking with their local utility companies. The price spikes that Texas experienced in February 2021 were not meant to last for as long as they did. A deregulated electricity system combined with extreme cold weather has created a lot of uncertainty that, over time, will start to dissipate as people learn to consume within their means ahead of and during inclement weather

How Can You Improve Energy Efficiency If You Live in Texas?  

A U.S. Department of Energy report in 2018 found that Texas is a leading state for energy efficiency potential. When it comes to dealing with a Texan summer, there are a few potent yet easy ways to save energy for the state – and money for yourself.   

You can use ceiling fans or portable fans instead of your AC as much as possible, and planting trees near windows with direct sunlight can reduce heat from the sun (which in turn reduces the amount of energy needed to cool your home). Awnings, patio covers, and solar window screens are all practical ways to shade your house from the hot Texan sun and reduce energy costs.  

When you live in Texas, chances are you use an HVAC system. As such, set your thermostat at 78°F or higher. Energy.gov recommends setting your thermostat back 7-10 degrees