An Oklahoma content creator says electric bills in the Sooner State have risen so much that her utility company sent out a notice after a surge of complaints.
However, that hasn't stopped her bills from more than doubling since last summer to nearly $400 per month for a 1,500-square-foot home. Now, she's taking small steps to cut those costs.
Here's what to know
On TikTok, Budget with Brenda (@budgetwithbrenda) detailed the steps she has taken to cut costs — from line-drying clothes to delaying dishwasher runs and keeping the curtains shut. She also relies on fans to keep air circulating (a tip the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says is worthwhile as long as indoor temperatures are under 90 degrees).
@budgetwithbrenda My electric company has sent out a notice from how many complaints they've received 🙃 #electricbills #electricitybill ♬ original sound - Budget with Brenda
While small actions like these can make a dent in utility bills, if you're considering a new HVAC unit, upgrading your heating and cooling system is one of the best ways to protect yourself against rising energy prices. If you want to explore that route, Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help homeowners find efficient systems and connect with vetted installers.
More background
High summer electricity bills can force people into uncomfortable tradeoffs, especially in hot, humid climates. Brenda noted that some tradeoffs were off the table at her house, though.
"I refuse to turn off my AC when I leave the house," Brenda said. "One because I've heard it's not good for your AC, especially because Oklahoma is very humid. And two, having to come back to a hot home and then wait an hour or two for it to cool down, uh-uh."
She added that she also keeps the AC running at night.
But if an air conditioner is aging, undersized, or fighting poor insulation and leaky windows, everyday conservation strategies may only go so far.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. Solar panels can save you more than $50k over their 25-year lifespan, and EnergySage can help you save as much as $10k on installation. Which begs the question — isn't that worth an email or two? |
For homeowners in that situation, the biggest money-saving opportunity may come from the home's equipment. A more efficient HVAC or heat pump can improve comfort, reduce wasted energy, and help protect a household from future rate hikes.
What can be done?
Commenters shared their own tips for saving money on electric bills.
"Disconnect the appliances you don't use," one commenter recommended.
If your HVAC is running at peak efficiency, other steps worth trying first include sealing air leaks. Small changes that reduce energy use tend to work best when paired with a home that is not losing cool air.
"You can look into insulating your home or changing the windows if they are older windows, that helps a lot," another commenter said.
If you're ready to think bigger, Palmetto is one option to explore. Through Palmetto's Comfort Plan, you can compare efficient heating and cooling upgrades.
You can also pair solar panels with electric appliances, like efficient HVACs, to drive your utility costs even lower, a step several viewers pointed to in the comments. EnergySage makes it easy to find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
