WRITTEN BY WANDA CURTIS

Rising electricity and heating oil costs are making it increasingly difficult for many homeowners to manage household expenses. According to reporting by The Maine Monitor, Maine experienced the third-highest increase in average retail electricity prices in the nation between 2014 and 2024. During that period, the average retail price of electricity in the state rose from 12.65 cents per kilowatt-hour to 19.62 cents per kilowatt-hour — an increase of 55%.

Heating oil costs have also climbed significantly. Nationally, the price of residential heating oil has roughly doubled over the past decade.

While homeowners have little control over the cost of electricity and fuel, they can take steps to reduce energy consumption and lower their utility bills.

One of the first steps is understanding how much electricity a household uses, said Kate Rankin, director of communications for Efficiency Maine Trust. To help consumers better understand their energy use, Efficiency Maine offers a program through local libraries that allows residents to borrow electricity monitors at no cost.

The monitors help homeowners track how much electricity they use each month and identify which appliances consume the most energy.

“Efficiency Maine offers a variety of resources to homeowners to help them better manage their energy consumption and potentially reduce costs,” Rankin said. “We offer tips to become more energy efficient, as well as financial incentives such as rebates, instant discounts and loans that can make upgrading to high-efficiency systems more affordable. While we always encourage homeowners to investigate the money-saving technologies they can use and everyday steps they can take to save energy, the current volatility of fuel prices makes our resources even more relevant and valuable to Mainers.”

According to home improvement experts, the biggest energy users in most homes are heating and cooling systems, water heaters, refrigerators and freezers, clothes dryers, washing machines, and traditional incandescent light bulbs. Focusing energy-efficiency improvements in those areas can produce significant savings.

The Clean Energy Connection’s 2025 Guide notes that much of a home’s energy loss occurs through the building envelope — the walls, roof, windows, doors, insulation, and foundation that separate indoor and outdoor environments. Improving these areas can reduce wasted energy and lower utility costs.

Ways to Reduce Energy Use at Home

  • Schedule a professional energy audit to identify the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste.
  • Air-seal attics and foundations to prevent heat loss in winter and cool-air loss in summer.
  • Upgrade insulation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that proper insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by about 15%.
  • Replace older windows with ENERGY STAR®-certified models, which can improve efficiency and lower energy bills.
  • Use thermal curtains to help keep heat inside during colder months.
  • Install a heat pump system, which can use significantly less electricity than traditional electric resistance heating systems.
  • Keep furniture, rugs, and other items away from HVAC vents to ensure proper airflow.
  • Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting.
  • Install low-flow showerheads to reduce hot water use.
  • Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
  • Upgrade older appliances to ENERGY STAR®-certified models.
  • Unplug small appliances and electronic devices when they are not in use.

Small Changes Can Add Up

You may not be able to control the cost of electricity or heating oil, but you can take steps to reduce the amount of energy your household uses. Start with simple, low-cost improvements and gradually invest in larger upgrades as your budget allows. Over time, even modest changes can add up to meaningful savings and a more comfortable, energy-efficient home.