In the US, the average monthly electric bill is $117.46. While this is much lower than gas (which stands at $667 a month), it can still be an amount that’s tough to scrape together.
To make matters worse, the amount can vary drastically depending on where you live in the country. For example, if you live in the Midwest, you might be wondering about the cost of electricity in Michigan, especially if you’re new to the area.
Read on to find out what the average electric bill in Michigan is and how you can lower it to save some money!
The Average Electric Bill in Michigan
You can expect the monthly electric bill in Michigan to be around $100. So the good news is, this is lower than the national average.
This tracks with the fact that this state has a low cost of living. It can be a good place to raise a family to keep your expenses down.
How to Save on Electric Bills in Michigan
While the average electric bill in Michigan is lower than the national average, it’s still 3 digits you’ll have to pay monthly. If you’ve got a tight budget, then every dollar saved will count!
One way to save on your electric bills is to unplug your electronics when you’re not using them, as they’ll still use a bit of power. But this can be a hassle and you might not always remember to do it.
So how else can you save?
Use Energy-Efficient Lightbulbs
Go around the house and swap out your old incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED ones. These can reduce your energy usage by up to 85%, so you’ll see an instant difference in your utility bills.
Wash Your Clothes Smartly
Many of today’s detergents can be highly effective with cold water, so you can reduce your utility bills by switching to cold water instead of using hot.
Also, try to run only full loads of laundry. If you can cut down just 1 load a week, this could save you around $20 a year.
Get Solar Panels
Solar panels aren’t cheap, but there are financing options available. Getting a home solar panel installation can save you cash since you harness free energy.
It’s true that Michigan doesn’t allow net metering anymore (where you sell back excess energy to the grid). But the state has the Distributed Generation Program, where you get credit for sending back excess energy.
Save Money With Our Tips
As you can see, the average electric bill in Michigan can take a decent chunk out of your bank account, even though it’s lower than the national average.
But with our tips, you can save some money and get your bill to under $100! While some may take an initial investment, you’ll quickly see it pay off. So if you can afford it, we highly recommend you make energy-efficient decisions.
Read more of our blog page for more helpful information!