Why Your Nevada Power Bill Is So High, And What You Can Do About It
This summer in Las Vegas has been the most expensive ever for residents.
Practically every day on my neighbors app, I’m seeing one of my Nevada neighbors shocked by their power bill. $200 in June, $250 in July, $350 in August. For a house that’s just a little over 1,000 square feet. Another saying her $500 a month power bill is another reason to leave the state.
People are angry and confused. And rightfully so. While the reason for the hike in prices isn’t a secret, it’s not common knowledge either. Nevada Energy reported late last year that there would be an increase in power rates due to an increase in fuel costs. The price of natural gas increased by more than 70 percent last year, ktnv.com reported.
That increase in costs just got passed on to the residents. Throughout the year multiple news sources have warned residents that their bills would be higher this summer. In April, Fox5Vegas predicted people’s bills could nearly double this year. Siting an average of 54.2 percent increase in consumer rates. The problem is that not many residents really paid attention to the warning. That is until their power bill showed up.
Help available for high power bills.
So now Las Vegas locals, many of which are on fixed incomes, are really hurting for relief. Nevada Energy does offer many programs to help. Including a flex pay option that lets you spread out your yearly bills into one consistent monthly payment. But some residents are saying that has ended up backfiring because they get a ridiculously high bill at the end of the year.
Nevada Energy also offers a free assessment of your home to find places your house can be more energy efficient. Residents who qualify for assistance can also get help with paying their bills. They can also get free appliance upgrades to more energy efficient ones.
Go to NV Energy’s website if you are in need of help paying your power bills.
– Wendy Rush, 96.3 KKLZ
7 Ways To Cut Those High Nevada Energy Bills
1. Check Your Seals
This homeowner is putting fresh caulk on his windows. Not only can this lower your energy bill, but it will ensure little critters stay out as well.
Check the seals on all your windows, doors and on your fridge and freezer. Just a small crack in the seal can let air out and waste energy. Sometimes just some caulking can do the trick. Other times you’ll have to purchase a replacement seal. Both quick fixes with money-saving results.
2. Change Your Lightbulbs
Replacing your incandescent bulbs for more energy-efficient ones is something you can do today to lower your energy bill.
One of the quickest ways to save on your energy bill is to swap out your incandescent light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones. Nerdwallet says that doing this in just your five most-used lights can save you $75 a year on your bill. Imagine what swapping them all would do! Look for compact fluorescent or LED bulbs that have the Energy Star label.
3. Get Your Ducts In A Row
There are many companies in Nevada that will do an inexpensive, or even free, inspection of your ducts. A good first step to repairing or replacing any parts that are contributing to your high energy bills.
Leaky ducts can let a lot of hot and cold air escape, raising your energy bills all year long. Check your heating, air conditioning and ventilation ducts and repair any leaks for a more efficient system and a lower power bill.
4. Get Smart Power Strips
Smart power strips are very easy to get these days. Amazon or the local home improvement stores will have them.
Electronics, particularly those with a remote control, still use power when they’re off, mostly because they’re in standby mode waiting for your command. Plugging these devices into a smart power strip will cut the circulation of power when the machines aren’t powered on.
5. Install Dimmer Switches
The brighter your lights are, the more power they take. Installing dimmer switches on any lights possible can help reduce energy bills.
If you have lighted areas that you don’t need full power for, put them on a dimmer switch. Lower levels means you use less power. An electrician can do these switches rather quickly. And the investment will pay off in the end.
6. Make Your Showers More Efficient
This is one project that a handyman at home can easily do. Switch out the shower heads in your home with more water-efficient one.
There are a couple of ways to save money in the shower. Taking a shower that’s just two minutes shorter than your norm can lead to lower energy bill. Since your water heater doesn’t need to work as hard. The other way to save money in the shower is by replacing your shower head with one donning the WaterSense label will ensure it meets the efficiency criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
7. Change How You Use Your Washing Machine
Your washing machine is a big source for your high energy bills. Fortunately there are lots of ways to make them more energy-efficient.
If you’re washing underwear, socks, or bedding that has been used by a sick person, hot water washes are most-effective. For almost everything else (unless the fabric specifically mentions hot water), use cold water in the washing machine. It will lower your energy bill significantly by not having to heat that water.
Another way to save money in both the washing machine and the dishwasher is to never run a load that isn’t full. Whether you have one item or fifty, the same amount of water is used. So wait until you have a full load to hit that start button.
For a longer-term solution, look for a washer with the EnergyStar label the next time you’re shopping for new appliances. If you want to start on your home’s efficiency before you need to, start replacing your appliances that you use most often. Over time, you’ll start to see the savings really add up. Here’s another place Nevada Energy might be able to help you out. Their Power Shift program offers these appliances for free to costumers who qualify. Get more info here.
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