Bill Reduction Strategies
Longer-Term Strategies to Meaningfully Reduce Your Energy Bills
Beyond quick daily habits, there are more substantial approaches that can make a meaningful and lasting difference in what you pay each month. These strategies may involve a modest investment of time or money upfront, but they deliver ongoing savings that compound over time.
The first step to reducing your bill is understanding where your energy goes. Review your monthly bills for usage trends — most utilities offer online account tools that track your consumption month over month. Look for months where usage spikes unexpectedly, which can signal an inefficient appliance, a drafty area of your home, or a change in habits. Many utilities also offer free energy use reports or home energy checkups.
Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing means electricity costs more during periods of high demand — typically weekday afternoons and early evenings. If your utility offers TOU rates, shifting major energy uses like laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging to off-peak hours (evenings and weekends) can produce meaningful savings. There are currently four Maryland utilities offering residential TOU rates: BGE, Pepco, Delmarva, and SMECO. Contact your utility to ask if TOU pricing is available and whether it makes sense for your household.
Air sealing and insulation are among the most cost-effective improvements you can make to reduce heating and cooling costs year-round. Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and other openings prevents conditioned air from escaping, while adequate insulation keeps heat where it belongs. Many Maryland residents qualify for free weatherization assistance through their utility’s EmPOWER Maryland program or through the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP).
Older heating and cooling systems, water heaters, and appliances can consume significantly more energy than modern efficient models. If your equipment is aging, replacing it with an ENERGY STAR certified model or a high-efficiency heat pump can produce substantial ongoing savings. Maryland utility rebates through EmPOWER Maryland and federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act can help offset the upfront cost.
A home energy audit provides a comprehensive picture of how and where your home uses energy, with specific recommendations prioritized by impact and cost. All Maryland utilities offer free to low-cost audits under the EmPOWER Maryland Program. Results can also unlock weatherization funding for income-eligible households. An audit is often the most efficient starting point for identifying where your biggest savings opportunities are.
If your energy bills are a significant burden, financial assistance programs are available for income-eligible Maryland residents. The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) helps with heating bills, and the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) can help cover a portion of your electric bill. These programs are administered by the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP).
Not Sure Where to Start?
A home energy audit can help you identify the improvements that will have the biggest impact on your home’s energy costs.
Ready to Explore Financial Help?
Rebates, tax credits, and 0% interest loans are available for Maryland residents making energy-efficient home improvements.