Tips for Saving
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- Charge Electric Vehicles (EVs) During Off-Peak Hours
- Take advantage of lower rates by scheduling EV charging overnight or during designated off-peak hours.
- Schedule Appliance Use During Off-Peak Hours
- Washing Machines and Dryers: Wash clothes during weekends or off-peak hours. Use cold water to save even more energy.
- Dishwashers: Run them overnight or early in the morning.
- Electric Ovens: Plan cooking or baking during off-peak hours or use energy-efficient countertop appliances like toaster ovens or air fryers during peak times.
- Use Timers and Smart Plugs
- Set timers on appliances such as water heaters, pool pumps, and dehumidifiers to operate during off-peak hours.
- Smart plugs can automate schedules and let you control appliances remotely.
- Use Programmable or Smart Thermostats
- Set your thermostat to automatically reduce heating or cooling during peak hours.
- Some smart thermostats can even adjust based on real-time energy rates and weather patterns.
- Optimize Water Heater Usage
- Install a timer on your electric water heater to limit heating to off-peak hours.
- Consider insulating your water heater and pipes to reduce heat loss.
- Use Energy Storage Solutions
- Battery Storage: Store electricity during off-peak hours for use during peak periods.
- Thermal Storage: Pre-cool your home or store hot water during off-peak hours.
- Shift Lighting Usage
- Use LED bulbs, which consume less energy and generate less heat.
- Install motion sensors in high-traffic areas to automatically turn lights on and off.
- Leverage Home Automation
- Connect smart home systems to control multiple devices and manage energy use based on TOD rates.
- Many systems offer "away modes" to reduce unnecessary energy usage when you’re not home.
- Understand and Track Usage
- Monitor your electricity usage with online tools or mobile apps provided by CMLP.
- Analyze patterns to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to reduce energy costs.
- Reduce Phantom Load (Standby Power Consumption)
- Unplug devices like chargers, gaming consoles, and entertainment systems when not in use.
- Use smart power strips that automatically cut power to idle devices.
- Weatherproof Your Home
- Seal windows and doors to reduce heating and cooling needs.
- Use curtains or blinds to block out the sun during hot months and retain heat during winter.