Knowledge is power when it comes to your energy usage.

Your energy bill is based directly on how many kilowatt-hours you use. Keeping the lights on isn’t cheap, not to mention the air conditioning, furnace or hot water heater. In fact, according to ENERGY STAR^®, the typical family spends more than $2,000 a year on energy bills.

The best way to start saving on your energy costs is to learn about your energy usage and take an active role in controlling it. With simple habit changes, easy home improvements and smart buying, you can lighten your energy costs and keep cash in your wallet.

Schedule a home energy assessment to learn additional ways to become more energy efficient →

Living room with icons on TV and ceiling light highlighting places to save energy

$28.40

Leaving your laptop plugged in and turned on 24/365

Based on average West Virginia kWh rates effective as of June 1, 2022. Wattage values are samples only, actual wattage of products varies depending on product age, features and settings.
Estimates pulled from the calculator at wv.appliancecalculator.com.

$136.76

Using a slow cooker for 8 hours a day every weekday

$42.11

Using a hair dryer for a half hour every day

Do you know how much your devices and appliances cost you each year?

The first step to taking control of your energy bill is learning how much energy your common appliances use — and how that translates to what you pay annually.

Evaluate your energy consumption using our interactive calculator or manually by following the steps in this sharable pdf.

Calculate your energy usage

Featured Tips

Layer up for winter!

Only wearing a t-shirt and shorts — even indoors — might make you chilly this time of year.

Bright Idea: Use a blanket or wear a sweater instead of cranking up the thermostat to save energy and money.

Sweating over a high energy bill this summer?

Summertime brings more than just fun in the sun. It can mean higher electric bills.

Bright idea: Close shades to keep the sun out and your home cooler.

Automate your energy savings!

Temperatures can be unpredictable in the fall.

Bright Idea: Use a smart thermostat to schedule heating and cooling to save energy and money!

See More Tips

Helpful Resources

ENERGY STAR^® Home
Upgrade

The ENERGY STAR^® Home Upgrade is a carefully crafted set of six high-impact, energy efficiency improvements for your home.

Better Buildings^®: Be a Smart and Engaged Homeowner

What you need to know when considering home energy improvements.

EPA: Reduce the Environmental Impact of Your Energy Use

There are many actions you can take to reduce the environmental impacts of your energy use.

How much do you know about the energy in your home?

An energy-efficient home means less wasted energy and more savings in your pocket. Read tips on saving energy and managing your electric bill.

See home energy tips →

ENERGY STAR^® Home Upgrade Checklist

Take our quiz below, or visit the ENERGY STAR website to learn more.

Do you own a smart thermostat?

Next Question

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

If you need more information or have questions about TakeCharge’s programs and rebates, please reach out.

Bright Ideas