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 →

$28.40

Leaving your laptop plugged in and turned on 24/365

Based on average Virginia kWh rates effective as of October 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 va.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

It’s getting cooler, have you turned on your heat?

Heating bills account for 42% of residential energy use in cooler months!

Bright Idea: Throw on a sweater or blanket to give your heating system a break.

Go low flow this year!

Did you know water heating can equal up to 20% of your home’s energy use?

Bright Idea: Install a low-flow showerhead to use less water – and less water heating.

Did you know October is Energy Awareness Month?

Celebrate with an easy home improvement task this month and save on your next electric bill!

Bright Idea: Insulate accessible hot water pipes with a do-it-yourself kit from your local home improvement store. This can minimize heat loss and save you 2-4% annually.

See More Tips