Nevada’s High Electric Bills Rank In The Nation’s Top 10
It’s no secret that we Southern Nevadans must budget for high electric bills every summer. Obviously, the hot desert sun bakes our city every June, July, and August. But did you realize our annual average power bills rank in the nation’s top 10? In fact, residents of Nevada can expect their annual electric bill to average around $2,132.50.
Nevada’s Average Annual Electric Bill Ranks In The Nation’s Top 10
Thankfully, we do not pay the most on average for our electric bills. That dubious distinction belongs to the residents of Hawaii. The folks in the Aloha State are paying way more than anyone else in the nation. In fact, a Hawaiian household’s average annual electric bill comes to $3,450.55. That’s over $1,000 more per year than residents in Maine, who rank second at an annual average of $2,383.75.
These figures come from the electricity experts at Texas Electricity Ratings. They did a deep dive into the data provided by the Environmental Investigation Agency. Even though Hawaiians don’t consume as much energy as we do, they’re paying the highest cost per kilowatt-hour in the country.
Here in The Silver State, Texas Electricity Ratings determines our annual electric bill to rank as the ninth highest in the U.S.A. Remember, the figures and rankings they’re providing are estimates for 2024. Of course, some households pay more per year, some less. It’s all based on how much your household consumes. But the fact remains, our electricity is pretty pricey.
Here are the top 10 states they are forecasting will pay the highest annual average on their electric bills:
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Florida
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Maryland
- California
- Arizona
- Nevada
- Alabama
Our Good Neighbors In Utah Will Have The Cheapest Electric Bills In 2024
It is interesting to note that two of our neighboring states are paying more expensive electric bills. Per TexasElectricityRatings.com, that is California (#7) and Arizona (#8). Conversely, our neighbors to the east in Utah will be paying the cheapest electric bills in the country. A Utah household average bill comes to $1,047.27. That’s more than a thousand dollars less than we’ll be paying right next door.
Here’s Some Good News About Nevada’s Power Rates
I did a quick internet search to determine how much Nevadans pay on average for a kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. The good news is that we pay an average of $0.17 cents per kWh, which is 7% lower than the national average of $0.19 cents per kWh. That’s according to EnergySage.com.
Furthermore, our cost per kWh decreased from October 2022 to October 2023 by 3.8%. That’s according to figures provided by PaylessPower.com. Electricity rates going down? Great news! Let’s hope that keeps happening, although I wouldn’t bet on it. Hey! Turn those lights off when you leave your room!
Now, feel free to scroll down for more content which may interest you.
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.
Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
