There’s no question that the installation of a high-efficiency heating system will pay for itself over time, but there are a lot of smaller steps you can take today to reign in your energy bill.
Unitil has long recognized the value that energy efficiency brings to both the economy and our environment. As your partner in energy efficiency, we can help reduce your energy costs, increase regional economic productivity, strengthen domestic energy security, and further protect our environment. Our innovative programs provide a key pathway for you to save resources, increase comfort and convenience, and reduce your monthly costs.
So even if energy efficiency improvements or upgrades aren't on your to-do list this year, here are some tips on how to reduce your monthly utility bill.
Evaluate
Your monthly gas or electric bills are a great starting point for evaluating your energy use, allowing you to compare your usage historically for the past 12 months.
The new and improved MyUnitil customer portal allows you to view and download up to 24 months of billed usage. Helpful visuals incorporate weather data and custom events with your usage for better context. Electric customers with a smart meter can also view and download daily usage. Learn more about evaluating your energy usage.
Compare
Customers chosen at random receive Unitil’s Home Energy Report several times per year, which shows how your energy usage stacks up to that of your neighbors. This highly visual report compares your energy use to that of approximately 100 other occupied homes in your area and includes personalized tips based on your energy use and publicly available information about your home, such as the type of dwelling and size.
Learn
Unitil's website has a number of resources for saving money, with topics on everything from planting trees to save on heating and cooling costs to tips on purchasing energy-efficient appliances.
Improve
NHSaves and Mass Save are a collaboration of electric and natural gas utilities working together to provide customers with information, incentives, and support designed to save energy, reduce costs, and protect the environment. In addition to educational resources, you’ll find rebates and online marketplaces offering discounted products ranging from smart thermostats to air purifiers. Maine natural gas customers are eligible to participate in Efficiency Maine programs that save energy and money. Click here to learn more.
Budget
Unitil offers a number of ways to help customers effectively budget for their energy needs. These include fixed monthly payments based on your average annual energy use, or fixed-term automatic payment plans to get back on track if you’re behind on your bill. Customers can also make one-time payments online, by phone, or via direct debit. Learn about budget assistance options.
Participate
Regardless of whether you rent or own your home, residential customers who receive a bill from Unitil may be eligible for a variety of local and state programs that offer financial assistance. These include free weatherization assistance, discounts, and fuel assistance for customers and are subject to income eligibility. Find state-specific programs and assistance agencies.
Believe It or Not: In 2022, the United States used approximately 16% of the world’s energy, yet accounted for about 4% of the world’s population.
Key Takeaways:
- With a variety of energy efficiency programs on offer, you don’t necessarily have to spend money to save money.
- By researching appliances before you go shopping, you will be able to compare the long-term savings of Energy Star appliances -- and you might just uncover a rebate as well.
- Help is here if you need it! Whether you’re looking for a fixed monthly payment that takes the guesswork out of bill paying, or temporary financial assistance to keep the heat on, Unitil can point you in the right direction.
