Electrical power is produced from the energy created by charged particles. Electricity was first used in the late 1880s, although a National Park Service article about the electric light system indicates it wasn’t until 1925 that 50 percent of American homes had electricity.
As of 2016, 87 percent of homes around the globe had electricity. Most people rely on electricity to run appliances, electric tools, and other electronic devices. Many consumers also use electricity to heat their homes. Since electricity’s a crucial energy source, you’ll need an electric provider. Let’s explore how to find the most affordable electricity rates, other factors you may consider when choosing an electric provider, and ways you can reduce your energy bill.
How can you find the most affordable electricity rates?
Shopping for an electricity company can be challenging, particularly if you’re moving to a new area and aren’t familiar with all your options. You can simplify the process with an electricity and gas comparison tool.
Pull up the tool to find companies that serve your address. Enter your postcode and indicate whether you need electricity, gas, or electricity and gas. The tool asks if you’re searching for a plan for your home or business, whether you own or rent the property if you’re moving to a new location, and whether you have a gas hookup. If you’re moving to a new home, the tool asks for your move-in date. If you currently live in the location, the tool asks about your current energy bills.
The tool asks for data about your energy needs, such as the number of people occupying your home and whether you have rooftop solar panels. Once you’ve supplied all the requested data, the tool asks for your name, mobile number, and email address. You’ll receive information about electricity companies servicing your area, such as the amount they charge per kilowatt-hour (kWh), enabling you to find the cheapest electricity available.
What other factors may you consider when choosing an electricity company?
Electricity’s produced from energy sources such as oil, nuclear power, and solar power. Common energy sources include non-renewable energy sources, such as coal, oil, natural gas, petroleum, and nuclear power. Concern about decreasing supplies, costs, and environmental damage has prompted energy companies and consumers to embrace wind and solar power and other renewable energy sources.
Consumers concerned about climate change may prioritize energy companies using renewable energy sources. Researching the energy companies supplying your region can help you determine which companies use renewable sources.
Other needs may influence your supplier options. For example, if you have a gas line in your home, you may limit your energy company choices to companies that supply electricity and natural gas. If you bundle your electricity and internet service plans, you may also save money. Check to see if you’ll enjoy lower prices if you bundle services to ensure you get the best electric rates.
Some plans feature off-peak hours with lower electricity rates. You may save money by selecting the plan with the best rate for off-peak hours instead of the best day rate if you work different shifts and use your appliances late at night.
How can you reduce your energy bill?
In addition to selecting the most affordable energy plan, you can reduce your energy bills by employing effective energy-reduction strategies at home. Install LED lights to save money on replacement bulbs and reduce your electricity bill. Install replacement windows to eliminate drafts and invest in biannual heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system maintenance to ensure your HVAC unit isn’t running more than it should. You can also save money by turning your water heater down to 120°F and taking shorter showers.
Use an electricity comparison tool to find the most affordable electricity rates. You may also consider plans with the best off-peak rates or narrow your search to energy companies using renewable energy sources.
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