Energy guides and electricity savings resources - ElectricRates.org blog
14 guides

How-To Guides

Practical, step-by-step guides for switching electricity suppliers. Find your account number on AEP Ohio (17 digits), PECO (10 digits), or Eversource (11 digits) bills. Switching takes 1-2 billing cycles. No service interruption. Cancel anytime without early termination fees on most plans.

Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Electric Bill: What's Normal?
How-To Guides

Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Electric Bill: What's Normal?

The average electric bill for a 2-bedroom apartment in the U.S. is $117–$179 per month at the 2026 national average rate of 17.91 cents per kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, as of August 2026). A 2-bedroom apartment uses 650–1,000 kWh per month—about 20–30% more than a one-bedroom because of extra square footage, a second occupant, and more appliances. State averages range from $100/month in Minnesota to $200–$310/month in Massachusetts, where rates exceed 30 cents/kWh.

Mar 266 min
Average Electric Bill for a 1-Bedroom Apartment (2026)
How-To Guides

Average Electric Bill for a 1-Bedroom Apartment (2026)

The average electric bill for a 1-bedroom apartment in the U.S. is $90–$134 per month, based on 500–750 kWh of monthly usage at the 2026 national average residential rate of 17.91 cents per kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, as of August 2026). State averages range from $75/month in Minnesota to $155–$230/month in Massachusetts. Your actual cost depends on your state, climate zone, and whether you have electric or gas heating—electric baseboard heat can double winter bills regardless of state.

Mar 266 min
Green Energy Plans in Texas: Wind & Solar Rates (2026)
How-To Guides

Green Energy Plans in Texas: Wind & Solar Rates (2026)

Texas leads the nation in wind power. You can buy 100% renewable electricity—but green plans are not always what they seem. Here is what you get and what it costs.

Dec 318 min
Prepaid Electricity Texas: Pay-As-You-Go Power Guide 2026
How-To Guides

Prepaid Electricity Texas: Pay-As-You-Go Power Guide 2026

No credit check. No deposit. Pay only for what you use. Prepaid electricity sounds perfect until you understand the tradeoffs. Here is everything you need to know before going prepaid in Texas.

Dec 318 min
Texas Solar Buyback Plans: Best Rates for Solar Owners 2026
How-To Guides

Texas Solar Buyback Plans: Best Rates for Solar Owners 2026

Learn how Texas solar buyback plans work and how to maximize credits for your rooftop solar production.

Dec 318 min
Time of Use Electricity Plans in Texas: Peak Pricing Guide
How-To Guides

Time of Use Electricity Plans in Texas: Peak Pricing Guide

Pay less at night, more during peak hours. Time-of-use plans can save you money—or cost you more if you are not careful. Here is how to decide if TOU pricing works for your household.

Dec 318 min
Best Time to Switch Electricity Providers: Rate Timing Guide
How-To Guides

Best Time to Switch Electricity Providers: Rate Timing Guide

Best times to switch: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) when PJM wholesale rates drop 15-25%. Avoid summer AC season and winter heating peaks. Ohio PUCO updates Price to Compare in June and December. Set a calendar reminder 60 days before your contract ends, then compare rates on ElectricRates.org.

Dec 814 min
First-Time Electricity Switcher: Complete Checklist 2026
How-To Guides

First-Time Electricity Switcher: Complete Checklist 2026

First-time switcher checklist: 1) Find account number on your AEP Ohio/Duke Energy/PECO/Eversource bill. 2) Note your Price to Compare rate. 3) Compare certified suppliers on ElectricRates.org. 4) Enroll online in 5 minutes. 5) Verify switch after 1-2 billing cycles.

Dec 88 min
How to Transfer Electricity Service When Moving (2026 Guide)
How-To Guides

How to Transfer Electricity Service When Moving (2026 Guide)

Moving? Call AEP Ohio (1-800-672-2231), Duke Energy (1-800-544-6900), PECO (1-800-494-4000), or Eversource (1-800-592-2000) 2-3 days before move date. Your competitive supplier contract may transfer to your new address if same utility territory. Compare new rates on ElectricRates.org.

Dec 88 min
Renters Guide to Electricity Choice: Save $50+/Month (2026)
How-To Guides

Renters Guide to Electricity Choice: Save $50+/Month (2026)

Maya was paying 11.8¢/kWh on her apartment electric bill. Her coworker paid 6.4¢. Same city. Same utility. Different supplier. Five minutes later, Maya switched. Her bill dropped from $180 to $112. The catch? Your account must be in YOUR name. Here's how to know—and what to do either way.

Dec 88 min
When Your Electricity Contract Ends: What Happens Next 2026
How-To Guides

When Your Electricity Contract Ends: What Happens Next 2026

When your electricity contract ends, you auto-renew to variable rates (often 50-100% higher) or return to utility default. AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, PECO, and Eversource must notify you 30-60 days before expiration. Shop new rates on ElectricRates.org before your contract ends.

Dec 88 min
Fixed vs Variable Electricity Rates: Which Saves More Money
How-To Guides

Fixed vs Variable Electricity Rates: Which Saves More Money

Variable rates spiked 300% during the 2024 polar vortex. Fixed rates? Stayed put. This guide breaks down when each plan type makes sense—and when it doesn't. Compare both on ElectricRates.org.

Feb 1512 min

Stop overpaying for electricity

See what you could save in 30 seconds

Free comparison • No commitment • Takes 30 seconds