According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, In 2016, the average annual electricity consumption for a U.S. residential utility customer was 10,766 kilowatthours (kWh), an average of 897 kWh per month.  The average residential monthly electric bill was $110.21 in 2013. The electricity price went up by 3% in 2014 and 1.7% in 2015, respectively. In particular, the harsh winter weather in 2017 significantly increased our burden for electricity bills.The good news is that the average residential household can save approximately $460 annually on electricity bills by choosing energy efficiency options, according to the American Council for Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

So, it is wise for use to think about ways to better control our energy bill. The following is a list of tips for reducing your energy bills.

1. Consider replacing the old thermostat with a “smart” thermostat – Wi-Fi enabled devices controlled by the smart phone or PCs. The smart thermostat will allow you to adjust temperature while you are traveling, at work, or in bed. According to a report by Energy Saver, the smart thermostat helps you save up to 10% each year on heating and cooling bills by turning back the thermostat 7 to 10 F. (See  https://www.google.com/search?q=best+smart+thermostat&rlz=1C1GGRV_enUS754US754&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi-saaO0drZAhXPuVMKHe84B2oQsxgIKA&biw=1280&bih=590   for the best thermostat)
2. Use the Advanced Power Strips (APS) and smart plugs that can save you $200 a year, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. These devices can reduce stand by power (aka vampire load) which consumes electricity when TVs, PCs, and their peripherals are switched off.  (See  https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/choose-right-advanced-power-strip-you   for finding the best APS).
3. Replace the traditional bulbs with Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) bulbs which can slash half the energy use. According to MoneyTalkNews (2013), the LED bulb uses only 25 cents’ worth and thus saves $1.23 per year.(See https://www.bestreviews.guide/led-light-bulbs?origin=google&google_params[matchtype]=e&google_params[network]=g&google_params[device]=c&google_params[creative]=248080124559&google_params[keyword]=best%20led%20light%20bulbs&google_params[adposition]=1t2&google_params[adgroupid]=40336765637&google_params[campaignid]=769102229&bs=cg4xHaLIuRXXmT4yEZMnoBDOiv9BbwQOI0CzL2a-5VvuhqQVYMoPZv2mm_36uwzhrbvDTFrK8i0=&google_params[feeditemid]=&google_params[targetid]=kwd-4917267992&google_params[loc_interest_ms]=&google_params[loc_physical_ms]=9022897&google_params[devicemodel]=&google_params[target]=&dest=0&sys_id=0|254&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIguuu1M3a2QIVlDuBCh0aPgtEEAAYAiAAEgKBzfD_BwE  for the best LEDs)
4. Use low-flush toilets and low-flow shower heads which can save more than 20,000 gallons of water and $50 reduction in electric bills for an average family of four. According to the Conservation Warehouse, the low-flow Shower Head will save 40% of the showering cost with the 1.5 gpm model.
5. Consider a home energy audit which may save you 5 to 30% on your annual energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (See https://www.homeadvisor.com/category.Home-Energy-Efficiency.-13029.html/?m=cammgsemha&iv_=__iv_p_1_a_92153082_g_4032469242_w_kwd-11700303_h_9022897_ii__d_c_v__n_g_c_181421957265_k_home%20energy%20audit_m_b_l__t__e_90620562_r_1t1_vi__&entry_point_id=18390184&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpd379s_a2QIVECOBCh3OXAicEAAYASABEgIlFvD_BwE  for a list of the home energy audit contractors).