7 Money Saving Tips For Lower Electric Bills

How Low Can Your Electric Bill Go?

Well, the answer, of course, is up to you. Unfortunately, if you're like most energy consumers, you're flying blind. In fact, you probably know more about your credit card purchases than the energy you buy.

Credit card statements are typically available online and provide almost hourly updates on purchases. By contrast, you have little more than a monthly utility bill to understand your energy use. You can look back at past energy consumption, but you certainly can't see it in real time - when you could actually make choices that affect your energy use.

And that's bad, because studies have consistently shown that consumers make smart choices that save them money once they're aware of their energy use.
Here Comes the Smart Grid, Here Come the Savings

Thanks to funds from the federal stimulus program and renewed attention to the so-called “smart grid,” 2011 may just be the year that you begin using home energy in an entirely new way.
The new meters will allow homeowners to access data about their hour-by-hour energy use via text message, phone or on CA Energy's website. Customers will be able to monitor their daily energy use, get a projected bill for the month and compare their use with the average California Energy customer.

What You Can Do Now
As a brave new world of home energy management is ushered in, the day may soon come when a smart meter tied into a countertop display allows you to control thermostats, intelligent light sockets and power strips - even from your office computer or cell phone. With your permission, high wattage devices such as air conditioning units, electric water heaters and pool pumps will cycle down during times of peak demand. And consumer electronics devices, which now consume over half the power in a typical home, will automatically shut down or hibernate when they are not being used.
But, until then, consider these energy-saving steps:

Perform an energy audit. Using MyAccount function online, you can compare your energy use with similar homes, track your use over time, look at your billing history and discover specific ways to lower your electric bill.

Take advantage of incentives. Cash incentives ranging from $140 to $1,125 are available when you replace your old air conditioner with a more efficient system. Instant rebates are also being offered for energy-efficient residential pool pumps: $100 instant rebate for variable-speed pumps and $50 instant rebate for two-speed pumps.

Adjust your thermostat. By turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° for 8 hours, you can save about 5-15 percent a year on your heating bill. That's a savings of as much as 1 percent for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long. Here, a programmable thermostat can help you avoid waking up in a cooler than normal house in the winter.
Try some simple measures. These simple steps don't cost a thing, but can potentially save you 10-25 percent on your monthly energy bill. For example, use pool trippers to reduce the time your swimming pool pump runs - eight to 12 hours a day is plenty. Set your water heater to 120 degrees (any more is overkill). Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you're reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light.

Save Energy, Save Money

In the end, smart grid innovations will give you the tools and technology to make more informed choices about your energy use. And that's a good thing!

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Stop Paying Too Much for Your Auto Insurance

Stop Paying Too Much for Car Insurance: 5 Common Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid

Reviewing your car insurance policy probably isn't at the top of your to-do list. But how about saving money? Take a look at these 5 common mistakes most drivers make when insuring their vehicles—you might be surprised at how easy they are to avoid and how much money you could save every month.

Mistake #1: Keeping Your Car Insurance Deductible Too Low

Simply put, the lower your deductible, the higher your auto insurance rates. Consider raising your deductible from $250 to $500 or even $1,000. The cost of an accident will be that much more expensive, but you could save up to 40% on the comprehensive and collision portion of your policy.

Mistake #2: Not Combining Your Car and Home or Renters Policy with the Same Insurer

With a multi-line insurance policy, you purchase both your auto and homeowners or renters insurance from the same carrier. According to the Insurance Information Institute, a multi-line policy can save you up to 15% on both premiums.

Mistake #3: Not Taking Advantage of Discounts

Most insurance companies provide discounts for a variety of things, including:

•Having a good driving record
•Being a long-time customer (loyalty discount)
•Driving a vehicle with specific safety features (e.g. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC))

•Driving a vehicle with specific security features (e.g. audible alarm, Lojack)

•Driving a low number of miles per year

It's up to you to make sure you're getting all the discounts you're eligible for, so make sure you ask your company or agent.

Mistake #4: Paying Your Car Insurance Premium in Installments

Extra "convenience" fees are often applied to payments when you split your premium into installments (e.g. monthly, quarterly, etc.). A monthly fee of even $7 can add up to almost $100 a year! So if you can afford it, pay your premium in one lump sum.

Mistake #5: Not Shopping Around for Car Insurance Once a Year

If you don't shop around for coverage at least once a year, you simply won't know if you're getting a good deal.  According to an independent study, drivers who compare rates and switch carriers at Diversified Insurance Services save an average of $301* on a six-month policy.


Compare Your Personal / Commerical Auto Insurance For Free & Find Out How Much You Can $ave With Jason Shroot By Calling Today At 714-988-3325.