Even in Texas, winter can bring chilly temperatures. And even if you have the lowest electricity rates Texas offers, using your heater all winter will likely lead to high heating bills.

But staying warm doesn’t have to mean cranking up your thermostat. If you’d like to save energy and keep your electric bill from spiking, here are 8 creative ways to stay cozy at home without raising the temperature.

1. Layer up with warmer clothing

One of the easiest ways to stay warm is to wear layers. Start with a base layer, like thermal underwear, that wicks sweat away from your body. Then, add an insulating layer like fleece and finish with a coat or cozy blanket. Warm socks and slippers will help keep your feet comfortable on cold floors.

2. Use rugs for better insulation

Tile and hardwood floors can feel cold in the winter. Adding rugs will help insulate your floors and keep your home — and toes — feeling warmer. The best rugs for insulation are large, thick, densely woven and made from wool, fur or synthetic fibers.

3. Use curtains strategically

About 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows. Minimize heat loss by closing curtains and shades in the evening. Use thick or insulated curtains to keep the cold from seeping in. Then, take advantage of heat gain by opening curtains when it’s sunny outside.

4. Seal air drafts

Drafty windows and doors let cold air in and warm air out, making them costly enemies. Luckily, they’re usually pretty simple to fix using weatherstripping or other methods. For an easy DIY fix for a drafty door, roll up a towel and place it at the door base.

5. Rearrange your furniture

Stay warm in your home by moving your sofas and beds away from cold windows and outside walls. Also, keep vents and air returns clear of furniture so warm air can circulate freely. This ensures heat gets circulated properly throughout rooms.

6. Consume warm meals and drinks

Eating a hot meal makes even the coldest days seem a little warmer, wouldn’t you agree? Drinking tea, coffee or cocoa also feels nice and keeps your hands toasty.

7. Stay active

Moving around your home is a great way to generate body heat and avoid turning up your thermostat. Light exercise, housework or even a quick dance break should do the trick. Bonus: This tip is also great for your overall health and well-being!

8. Warm up at night

A heated blanket or mattress pad can make your bed feel like a cozy retreat without heating the whole house. If you don’t have one, you can layer extra blankets or use flannel sheets to help retain body heat. For extra warmth, try using a heated rice pack at your feet. (You can even make one yourself if you’re feeling crafty!)

Compare electricity rates in Texas

These tips can help you keep warm in winter without raising your electric bill, but a year-round solution is to find the best electric rates in Texas for your home, family and usage habits. Check out Everything Energy’s innovative search tools to narrow your options and choose the best plan for you.

With the start of 2025, did you make your New Year’s resolution(s)? While health, wellness, organizing and finance-related goals may be top-of-mind, it’s also a perfect time to start a few new habits to become more energy efficient at home. The result could lead to less expensive power bills and a lower environmental impact — both of which are positive anyway you look at it.

Here are some simple electricity-related resolutions to consider that won’t take much of your energy to achieve (plus some advice on when to compare energy prices):

Know when to turn the lights off

Lighting costs make up around 15% of an average home’s electricity use, but turning them off when you leave a room is not always the answer. That’s because switching lights on or off can lower their operating life. The Department of Energy suggests the following guidelines for each type of lighting:

• Incandescent and halogen: Turn off whenever they’re not needed, since they’re inefficient.
• Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs): Leave on if you’ll be out of a room for 15 minutes or less; turn off if you’ll be out of a room for more than 15 minutes. The operating life of CFLs is affected by the number of times they are switched on and off.
• Light-emitting diodes (LEDs): Because the operating life of LEDs is unaffected by turning them on and off, it’s smart to turn them off whenever you leave a room.
  

Upgrade instead of replacing

Light bulb burned out? Dishwasher at the end of its life? If an older item wears out, don’t just replace it — see what energy efficient options are available.

For instance, a 60-watt incandescent bulb can be upgraded to an equivalent 43-watt halogen bulb, a 13-15 watt compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) or a 9- to 12 watt light-emitting diode (LED).  An older dishwasher could be upgraded to an ENERGY STAR®-certified model.

While these may cost more upfront, they’re often less expensive overall when you account for energy savings and durability.

Make a 2-degree shift

The Department of Energy estimates a 10% savings on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7°F -10°F from its regular setting for 8 hours a day. If this isn’t possible, try going 2°F lower than your normal heat setting in winter and 2°F higher than your typical air conditioning setting in summer. Even this small shift can make a difference in your usage.

Get creative for nighttime comfort

Instead of relying on your heater or air conditioner overnight, try some other ways to stay comfortable.

In winter:

• Put a hot water bottle between your sheets to stay warm.
• Wear insulating fabrics like wool, fleece and down.
• Cuddle up with an electric blanket that automatically turns off after an hour.

In summer:

• Put your pillowcase or sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes before going to bed to instantly cool down.
• Wear breathable fabrics like cotton, linen and chambray.
• Sleep with a fan on.

Adjust your water heating temperature

The Consumer Protection Safety Commission recommends lowering your water heater to 120°F to avoid scalding. This also helps conserve energy, saving you money without sacrificing comfort.

Substitute cold water for hot

Water heaters account for around 18% of the average home’s energy use. Choosing cold water when possible will prevent your water heater from working overtime. Whether it’s taking a shorter shower or using the cold water setting on your washing machine, every little bit adds up.

Cook conscientiously

If your recipe allows, try using another appliance that might be more energy efficient such as a microwave, slow cooker, or pressure cooker.

Compare energy prices

While adding these little habits to your routine, it also makes financial sense to compare energy prices of different plans and providers whenever your current contract is coming up for renewal. You don’t want to miss out on something that suits you better, like a different term length, a better rate, a time-of-use plan or an option with extra perks.

Remember, it never hurts to shop for energy — and comparing energy prices is simple using Everything Energy’s advanced search tools and filters.

Smart home technology is making life easier and more energy-efficient, especially for those looking to lower their bills from Texas energy providers. Keep reading for popular home electronics you can control with your smartphone to help you run a more energy-efficient home.

Smart thermostats

A smart thermostat lets you control your home’s temperature from anywhere, so you’re not heating and cooling your home when you don’t need to. With cooling and heating among the largest energy expenses in a home, this device is a game-changer for those looking to lower their energy usage and monthly bills. Many smart thermostats are able to learn your habits and adjust automatically to save more energy. Plus, some energy providers in Texas, like Green Mountain Energy, offer demand response programs that utilize smart thermostats’ capabilities.

Smart lights

You can also use your smartphone to turn your smart lights on or off, whether you’re in the next room or another state. Some even let you dim the lights or change their color. These devices help save energy because you can turn off lights that were left on by mistake or set schedules for your lights, which can help reduce electricity usage.

Smart plugs

A smart plug lets you control the electronic device plugged into it using your smartphone. This is great for lamps, fans, coffee makers and even holiday lights. You can turn a device on and off remotely if you’re not home so it doesn’t waste energy unnecessarily. Many smart plugs also let you set on/off schedules; some even track how much electricity plugged-in home electronics use.

Smart appliances

Many appliances, like washing machines, air purifiers, refrigerators, and more, now come with built-in smart technology features so you can monitor and control them from your phone. For example, you can start a load of laundry while at work so that it’s ready to go into the dryer when you get home or you can get a notification if the fridge door is left open. Some smart appliances also offer the ability to subtly shift energy usage from more expensive peak times to less expensive off-peak hours.

Smart blinds

Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for about 25% to 30% of home heating and cooling energy use. Smart blinds help you minimize this problem by allowing you to open or close your window coverings via your phone. Closing blinds in summer to keep your home cooler or letting in more sun during the winter to warm things up naturally can help you reduce electricity usage without sacrificing comfort. Some systems can even be set to adjust automatically based on the time of day.

Other smart home electronics

There are many other home electronics on the market that don’t necessarily help you save energy but do add convenience and/or sustainability to your life. These include:

Smart sprinklers

A smart sprinkler system helps you conserve water while caring for your yard. Smart irrigation systems not only prevent overwatering but can also deliver precise and tailored watering to different areas or plants, adapt the watering schedule to weather data and send you an alert if a leak or other maintenance issue is detected. Using water more efficiently can lower your water bill and help conserve a valuable resource.

Smart door locks

A smart door lock lets you lock or unlock your doors using your phone. This can save you from driving back home if you forget to lock up or simply allow you to carry one less key around. Some devices even let you program unique access codes for people who enter your home (like babysitters, house cleaners or guests) so you can track who has entered and when.

Smart security cameras

Lastly, indoor and outdoor smart security cameras let you monitor your home using your phone, no matter where you are. This means you can check in on your house, kids or pets at any time. Many smart cameras come with motion detection send you alerts if there’s any activity. And some of the best energy providers in Texas, like Reliant Energy and Direct Energy, even offer custom smart security systems through their partners.

While security cameras don’t directly help you save electricity, the peace of mind they provide can prevent you from wasting your own energy worrying!

Smart home devices aren’t just about convenience; they can also help you save energy and, potentially, money by giving you on-the-go control of your home electronics.

Compare energy plans from top Texas energy providers

While we’re on the topic of “smart,” start shopping for electricity plans from Texas energy providers the smart way: by using Everything Energy’s innovative search and compare tools. Check it out today!

December 3, 2024, marks Giving Tuesday. What is Giving Tuesday? It’s a global call to everyone to perform acts of generosity, both great and small. 

In the spirit of Giving Tuesday 2024, here are some recent ways energy companies in Houston give back to their communities year-round.

Reliant Energy

Houston-based Reliant Energy has a rich tradition of contributing to communities and organizations in Texas and nationwide. A few of their giving initiatives include:

Reliant Gives

The Reliant Gives program supports Texas communities by asking employees to nominate local organizations they care about. A public vote on three finalist organizations takes place, with a chance to win donations of up to $100,000. Since 2016, Reliant Gives has donated $460,000 to 12 nonprofits across the state.

Charitable Giving

Through volunteer and employee-led partnership initiatives, Reliant Energy has been able to support organizations like the American Heart Association, Meals on Wheels, Armand Bayou Nature Center and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston — and many more.

Commitment to the Environment

Reliant Energy works with several organizations to involve its employees in activities like rehabilitating nature trails, planting trees and supporting eco-education for students. They’ve also implemented sustainable solutions like solar cart conversions at the Houston Zoo.  

Sponsorships & Grants

Through the NRG Retail Charitable Foundation, Reliant Energy invests in communities in various ways. These include helping families in need pay their utility bills, funding local disaster relief, supporting health clinics and providing scholarships.

Direct Energy

Another energy company in Houston that serves residents across the state, Direct Energy, features a Neighbor-to-Neighbor Bill Assistance Program. This lets customers donate any amount to help fellow Texans in need keep the lights on. The electricity provider works with more than 40 agencies across the state, who ensure this aid goes to carefully screened, qualified individuals.

Green Mountain Energy

Through Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, the Houston energy company’s charitable giving initiative, both the company and customers can donate to provide sustainability grants to nonprofits. Sun Club projects focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, clean transportation, sustainable agriculture and environmental education. 

From its inception in 2002 through 2023, Green Mountain Energy Sun Club has given $14.2 million to nonprofits, helping to complete over 160 projects.

Compare these and other electricity companies in Houston

When you shop for energy plans with Everything Energy, you’ll see the latest offerings from the retail electricity providers above, plus other trusted Texas energy companies like Cirro Energy and Discount Power. Choose the plan that best fits your needs, and sign up in minutes!

On Election Day, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the chaos, stress and 24-hour news cycle surrounding the presidential election. But is it the best way to use your energy compared to other possible activities? After you’ve cast your vote and done your civic duty, you can opt out of the media coverage for your peace of mind.

Here are 9 electricity-free activities for Election Day that can help you take a break while unplugging and reducing energy usage at home.

Electricity-free activity #1: Go for a walk

Take a stroll to clear your mind and get a dose of fresh air. Walking around your neighborhood or in a nearby park helps you focus on nature and gives your eyes a break from screens. Plus, it’s great exercise!

Electricity-free activity #2: Read a book

Instead of scrolling through the latest news on your phone, pick up a book. Reading a physical book doesn’t use electricity, and it’s a great way to escape into a new world or learn something new. For lighter fare, try a magazine or even a comic book.

Electricity-free activity #3: Meditate or do yoga

Mindfulness exercises, like deep breathing or meditation, or yoga are perfect activities for winding down from a hectic election season.

Electricity-free activity #4: Journal

If you have a lot on your mind, writing in a journal can be a great outlet. Jotting down your thoughts and feelings or listing things you’re grateful for can help reduce stress and take on a positive perspective.

Electricity-free activity #5: Create something

Arts and crafts are a great distraction from the day’s drama. Painting, knitting, scrapbooking and more let you unwind while making something special. The only power required is the power of your own imagination!

Electricity-free activity #6: Catch up with a friend or loved one

Whether it’s your best friend, spouse or a friend you haven’t seen in a while, they will probably welcome the distraction of a screen-free meetup as the votes slowly trickle in.

Electricity-free activity #7: Play cards or a board game

Gather your family or friends for a fun game night. Board games and card games don’t require any electricity and are a great way to bond and share some laughs.

Electricity-free activity #8: Declutter

If you can’t shake the stress of today’s election results, at least put your nervous energy to good use and tackle some of the excess in your home. Since a cluttered environment has been proven to raise levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), decluttering can have a positive impact far beyond just Election Day.

Electricity-free activity #9: Sleep

Sometimes, the best way to unplug is to rest. A quick nap can recharge your energy without using any; if it’s late in the day when you get home from work, simply go to bed early. The news will always be there for you in the morning, but tonight, you can escape and catch a few extra Z’s.

Compare energy prices — the key to lowering your electricity bills

Whether you unplug on Election Day or tune in all evening to watch state-by-state results, don’t forget the power of an energy compare exercise. If you compare energy plan terms, perks and pricing, you can find the best energy plan for your home and needs — no matter which candidate wins. Start shopping today.

Microwaves have become a common feature in most American homes, giving us one of the most convenient and cheapest power methods to heat up meals and snacks. But have you ever wondered how much electricity microwaves consume? October 8 is the filing anniversary of Percy Spencer’s 1945 patent for the microwave, making it a great time to explore this kitchen appliance and its effect on your power bill.

How do microwave ovens work?

Before diving into the electricity consumption of microwaves, it’s important to take a quick look at how the appliance actually works.

Microwave ovens use electromagnetic energy to cook food. Here is a simplified explanation of the microwaving process:

1. A magnetron in the appliance converts electricity from the power outlet into high-powered radio waves.
2. The magnetron blasts the radio waves through a channel into the food compartment.
3. The food spins on the turntable slowly so it cooks evenly.

The waves bounce off the metal walls inside the microwave. When they hit the food, the waves penetrate it and make the water molecules in the food vibrate faster. The vibrating creates energy, which is transferred to the food as heat. The faster the molecules vibrate, the hotter the food becomes.

How much energy do microwaves use?

Like most appliances, a microwave oven’s energy usage varies depending on its wattage.

Microwave manufacturer Whirlpool states that the ideal wattage for most microwaves is 1000 watts (W). This offers versatility in defrosting, reheating, and cooking. Smaller models in the 600W-900W range work well for smaller tasks like reheating leftovers and warming drinks, but you may need additional cooking time for larger tasks. Larger models can go up to 1700W or higher, making them very powerful.

In other words, the wattage of a microwave directly correlates to the amount of electricity it consumes when you use it.

To refresh your memory on how to measure electricity usage, a 1000W microwave uses 1000W (or 1 kW) of energy if run continuously for an hour.

How do you measure how much electricity it takes to microwave something?

To figure out exactly how much energy your microwave uses, you need a few pieces of information:

• Your microwave’s wattage (check the appliance’s product manual — or look for the wattage on the microwave itself)
• How many hours or minutes you use it per day
• Your Texas electricity rates [cents per kilowatt hour (kWh)]

Enter these items into the following equation:   

Cost per day = (Wattage/1000) x hours used x electricity price per kWh

• If you run this 1000W microwave for 1 hour a day, it will use 1 kWh.
• Multiply this by your electricity cost per kWh. If you pay 20¢ per kWh, it will cost you about 20¢ to use your microwave for 60 minutes a day. That translates to approximately $6 per month, or $72 per year.
• What if you only use your microwave for 10 minutes a day? That’s 1/6 of an hour, so divide your totals by 6. Ten minutes of microwave use a day equates to just $1 per month and $12 per year.

If math isn’t your thing, don’t worry — the Internet is here to help. You can plug your data into this online electricity cost calculator.

Any way you crunch the numbers, it’s clear that the microwave is one of the cheapest power methods for cooking. And for that, we have Percy Spencer to thank!

Find Texas energy providers to power your appliances — and your life

Finding the cheapest power in Texas starts with shopping for electricity plans and prices that best fit your usage and needs. Use Everything Energy’s innovative search filters to narrow your options and make apples-to-apples comparisons instantly.

By now, you may know that there are many power companies in Texas to choose from. But you may not know that several highly rated Texas power companies also offer other home services too.

Here’s a peek at some of those services that could help you save money on costly repairs, protect your investments, and gain peace of mind.

Smart home security and automation

Several Texas power companies now offer smart home security and automation solutions. These systems often include home security packages from trusted providers like Vivint. They may feature security cameras, smart hubs, door and window sensors, 24/7 monitoring, and more.

These systems can improve security, efficiency, and convenience by letting you control and monitor various parts of your home remotely.

Air conditioning and heating services

Reliable air conditioning and heating are essential for Texas’s off-the-charts heat and unpredictable winter climate. Some power companies offer AC/Heat Protection plans, which give you a set annual coverage amount, discounted tune-ups, and services performed by professional and licensed technicians.

These services ensure that your home’s heating and cooling systems operate efficiently year-round, helping you stay comfortable while potentially lowering your energy costs.

Water heater and appliance rentals

Another helpful service now offered by some Texas power companies is water heater and other major appliance rental.

This option lets you have top-of-the-line, durable, and reliable models without the upfront expense of purchasing them. Plus, certified repair professionals will come to fix any issues that arise, taking the burden off of you.

Protection plans

Homes are complex. When something goes wrong in yours, it can get expensive. Plans that protect your home’s electronic devices, appliances, and plumbing can help absorb the cost of repairs — or prevent them entirely.

Personal electronics

Modern life relies heavily on electronics for entertainment, communication, and safety. Many Texas power companies offer protection plans covering a range of personal electronics, including laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, home theater systems, smart thermostats, smart home cameras, smart smoke/CO detectors, and much more.

These plans are designed to help safeguard your investment and ensure your devices continue to function smoothly.

Appliances and electrical

Appliances are a significant investment. Protection plans for kitchen and laundry room appliances can help shield you from costly repairs and keep your essential items running reliably.

Additionally, electrical protection plans cover electrical repairs, surge protection, and even electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. These plans protect your home’s electrical systems and devices from unexpected breakdowns and surges.

Plumbing

Plumbing issues can be inconvenient, but Texas power companies’ protection plans can provide peace of mind. These plans can cover a range of services, like repairs to plumbing, sewer and septic lines, water heaters, and external water lines.

By subscribing to a plumbing protection plan, you can ensure that your home’s water systems are well-maintained and any issues are fixed promptly, preventing more significant problems down the line.

Find the best power company in Texas for your needs

With so many Texas energy companies to choose from, you can afford to be picky. If these added home services appeal to you, choose an electric provider that can deliver beyond energy.

Search Everything Energy now to find a plan that’s right for you.

Have you ever wondered who made it possible for us to flip a switch and light up a room?

We can thank a brilliant English scientist named Michael Faraday, born on September 22, 1791. He’s one of the main reasons we understand electricity today — so much so that people often call him “The Father of Electricity!”

Today, we’re celebrating his life, contributions, and how his discoveries helped bring about the cheap energy plans we use to power our modern homes.

Who was Michael Faraday?

Michael Faraday began working at a young age to support his family. He worked as a bookbinder’s apprentice, which gave him the chance to read many books about science, including the “electricity” entry in Encyclopedia Brittanica. His curious mind and love of learning would later aid his scientific discoveries.

What were Faraday’s most significant contributions to science?

In his lifetime, Michael Faraday contributed many laws, theories, and discoveries to the scientific community.

Faraday worked under a renowned chemist, Sir Humphry Davy, as a laboratory assistant and learned chemistry at the elbow of one of the greatest practitioners of the day. It has been said that Faraday was Davy’s greatest discovery. In addition to other chemistry-related achievements, he isolated an oily residue from gas lamps, later termed benzene.

Electric motor and electrical generator

He then moved on to electricity and electrochemistry. In 1821, he used a permanent magnet and an electric current to produce mechanical motion — a precursor of the electric motor. In 1831, he invented the world’s first electrical generator by converting magnetic force into electric force.

Two laws of electrochemistry

While proving that electricities produced by various means are identical, he also discovered the two laws of electrochemistry, which describe the relationship between electricity and chemical changes:

1. “The amount of a substance deposited on each electrode of an electrolytic cell is directly proportional to the quantity of electricity passed through the cell.”
2. “The quantities of different elements deposited by a given amount of electricity are in the ratio of their chemical equivalent weights.”

The relationship between electricity and magnetism

Building on Michael Faraday’s previous studies and ideas, Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell was able to demonstrate that the electric and magnetic fields could be unified into one field and that the energy of the electromagnetic field propagated through empty space as waves.

What impact did Michael Faraday have on electricity?

Without Faraday’s scientific experiments and discoveries, we might not have electric power as we know it today. Most electricity made today uses the same principles he used to create the first electric generator. That makes it possible for people to power their homes with convenient, cheap energy plans.

Find cheap electricity plans for your home

We can power our homes affordably thanks in part to “The Father of Electricity,” Michael Faraday. If you’re looking for a cheaper electricity plan, visit our search page to find the right plan for your family and budget.

September marks the beginning of Intergenerational Month. During this time, people from varying age groups are encouraged to befriend, connect, and learn from each other.

This month, try electricity-free ways to connect with people from different generations. You’ll not only be forging new relationships but also helping the planet and cutting back on your electricity cost for the month.

Electricity-free activities

Use one or all of the following ideas for an unplugged Intergenerational Month that minimizes electricity cost and usage:

Write a letter

Slow down and take part in the lost art of letter writing. Exchange handwritten letters with someone from a different generation and forge a deeper connection than email or text could ever provide. Plus, who doesn’t love opening their mailbox and finding a note from someone special?

Play a board game

Memory©, Rummikub©, Checkers, Monopoly©, Trouble©, Chutes and Ladders©… the possibilities are endless, and so is the fun. A little friendly competition can create laughter, conversation, and a shared experience to reflect fondly on.

Take a walk

Go for a leisurely walk in nature and let the conversation energize you. In addition to promoting physical health, walking is a low-stress, low-pressure way to bond.

Make friends with a retiree

Making friends with a retiree is a great way to brighten a senior citizen’s day. If you listen carefully and ask questions, you’ll learn something new — and leave with a smile.

Share memories

Take turns describing meaningful memories from your past. Sharing stories can bridge generational gaps, reveal fascinating insights, and fuel interesting conversations.

Take a class together

Look for a mutually enjoyable class at your local community college, YMCA, or library. Experiencing a new subject together can help you connect and spark new interests.

Paint, draw, or color

If a formal class isn’t your cup of tea, get artistic through painting, drawing, or coloring together. These self-expression activities can help you relax, forget about your problems, and let creativity reign.

Play 20 questions

Get a conversation flowing by taking turns asking each other 20 questions about the other one’s life, interests, and preferences. You may learn you have more in common than you think. And the electricity cost for a good chat is $0.

Do a puzzle

Whether it’s a crossword, jigsaw, or other puzzle, solving something together will be entertaining and satisfying. It may also reveal surprising differences in how you approach and solve problems.

Read aloud

Take turns reading out loud from a new book (or old favorite). This activity is great because you’ll spend hours of cozy, quality time together during your reading sessions.

Have a dance party

Music is universal, so grab your battery-operated device and turn on music from both participants’ generations and boogey down. Dancing together to the oldies, punk rock, 90’s pop, and today’s hits is a joyful way to get together.

Garden

Planting, pruning, harvesting veggies, or even weeding in the garden can bring generations together in the Great Outdoors while producing something beautiful.

These are just a few of the many energy-free ways that people of all ages can get together during September’s Intergenerational Month — and all year! With some creativity and planning, we can all get back to connecting face-to-face without any electricity cost involved.

Compare power plans no matter your age

Anyone renting or owning a home, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, must choose an electricity plan to power their abode. Search Everything Energy today for electricity rates in Texas and compare power plans to find the one that best meets your needs.

Commercial electricity rates can be a significant line item on a district’s budget. The nearly 100,000 public K-12 schools in the U.S. represent about 5% of commercial building energy consumption. These schools spend more than $8 billion annually on energy — yet up to 30% of school energy is wasted!

This means there’s room for energy-saving efforts, which can help save money. The savings could be allocated to more beneficial school resources or used to lessen residential school taxes.

With a new school year just around the corner for many Texas teachers and students, it’s the perfect time to think about ways to help the planet by saving energy in the classroom.

Back-to-school power tips

Here are some helpful tips for teachers and students to help save power in schools:

Explain the importance of energy conservation

Teachers can plant a seed in young minds for a brighter future by explaining, in an age-appropriate way, why it’s important to conserve resources like electricity. Students will start understanding the “why” behind energy-saving efforts instead of just seeing them as more tasks to complete.

Practice energy awareness

Once students know better why they should conserve electricity, everyone can have their energy radars on alert and look for ways to use less energy. Whether it’s turning off the lights while watching a video, upcycling materials (since it takes energy to create them) during arts and crafts, or sharing a classroom laptop with a classmate, being energy-aware will become automatic as the weeks go on.

Turn off electronics and lights when not in use

Speaking of electronic devices, turning them off after use will help save energy. Many classrooms have one device per student. Think of all the power that could be saved if the more than 75 million U.S. students made this a classroom habit.

While energy use varies from school to school, lighting is typically one of the top energy end uses. Turning off lights in bathrooms, unused classrooms, and during recess can make an impact.

Make a game of it

Fun lessons are lessons that stick, so make learning about saving energy enjoyable. Who will be on energy patrol in the classroom each day? How many ways can students brainstorm to be more energy efficient at school or home? Could the class earn a party after a month of their energy awareness efforts? Having students get creative and become part of the solution empowers them to see things differently than older generations.

Discuss energy across subjects

Energy is everywhere, from science and math to social studies and language arts. Why not incorporate energy conservation into lesson plans? Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:

• Science: Build a solar oven or conduct an energy audit of the school
• Math: Graph the school’s energy usage over the last 12 months or calculate how much electricity a school appliance costs to operate using a watt meter
• Social studies: Compare energy usage in different countries or discuss how electricity usage has changed over time
• Language arts: Write a persuasive essay about the importance of using less electricity or create posters to hang around the school encouraging energy conservation

In addition to these tips, check out the thorough ENERGY STAR® Energy Efficiency Student Toolkit for more ideas and valuable information for students of all ages.

Energy providers that offer commercial electricity rates in Texas

Many retail electricity providers who supply homes across Texas with energy also offer commercial electricity rates for businesses, organizations and public schools. Trusted residential power providers like Direct Energy, Reliant Energy and Green Mountain Energy also provide power in schools and other large groups.

School districts can potentially save money by switching to a better commercial electricity rate from one of these providers, in addition to energy-saving efforts by teachers and students.

Streamline your home energy search

Check out Everything Energy’s powerful search tools to find the best electricity plan for your home and needs. You can easily filter, search and compare electricity plans and providers here.