Want to Spend Less on Utilities? Start With Just One Bill

Can You Intentionally Lower One Utility Bill This Month? A Stewardship Challenge

Hello friends, and welcome! It’s Ralph, and today on Ask Ralph - Christian Finance, we're tackling a question that hits close to home for nearly everyone: our monthly utility bills. Electricity, natural gas, water, internet, phone – these services are essential for modern life, keeping our homes comfortable and connected.¹ But let's be honest, the costs can add up quickly. Depending on where one lives, monthly utility expenses can range significantly, from around $350 in states like New Mexico to over $750 in places like Connecticut.¹ The US average sits somewhere between $583 and $610 per month when including essentials like electricity, gas, water, sewer, internet, and phone. With costs rising, it’s time to rethink what you can control. Want to spend less on utilities? Start with just one bill. 

Managing these costs isn't just about saving money; it's a matter of stewardship. As Christians, we believe that everything we have comes from God – He is the owner, and we are His managers, entrusted with the resources He provides.⁵ This includes our income, our homes, and yes, even the energy and water we use daily. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it”.⁵ So, how we manage these resources, including paying our utility bills, reflects our faithfulness to Him.⁵

It can feel overwhelming to try and cut costs everywhere at once. So, today, I want to issue a simple challenge: Can you intentionally focus on lowering just one utility bill this month? By picking one area and making a few conscious changes, we can practice diligent stewardship, potentially free up resources for other kingdom purposes, and build habits that lead to long-term savings.

Why This Matters: Stewardship of God's Resources

Before diving into the "how-to," let's ground ourselves in the "why." Why should we, as Christians, care about lowering a utility bill? It boils down to our role as stewards. Recognizing God as the owner changes our perspective.⁵ The money in our bank account isn't ultimately ours; it's His, entrusted to us to manage wisely for His purposes.⁵

This means our financial decisions, even seemingly small ones like how much electricity or water we use, have spiritual significance. Are we using these resources thoughtfully, or are we wasteful? Are we planning diligently, as Proverbs 21:5 suggests (“The plans of the diligent lead to profit”), or are we letting money slip away unnoticed? ⁵ Creating a budget, which includes planning for necessities like utilities, is a fundamental step in godly financial management.⁵ It helps us ensure we're providing for our families (a biblical priority - 1 Timothy 5:8) by covering essentials like food, shelter, and utilities first.⁹

Being a good steward means managing faithfully what we have now, whether it seems like a little or a lot.⁷ It involves making intentional choices, avoiding waste, and using resources efficiently. By focusing on reducing one utility bill this month, we're taking a practical step in honoring God with the resources He has provided.⁷

Target #1: Taming Your Electric Bill

For many households, the electric bill is the heavyweight champion of utility costs, often representing the largest single expense.⁴ A significant portion of this cost, frequently between 29% and 42%, goes towards heating and cooling our homes.² Because it's often the biggest bill, it also offers substantial potential for savings through simple, intentional changes.

Master Your Thermostat (The 10% Challenge)

The core principle here is simple: the greater the temperature difference between the inside of your home and the outside air, the harder your heating or cooling system has to work, consuming more energy.¹⁰ Even small adjustments to your thermostat settings can make a noticeable difference.

• Actionable Steps (Choose 1-2 This Month):
  • Winter Strategy: Aim to set your thermostat to around 68°F (or lower if your family is comfortable) when you are home and awake.¹² When you're asleep or away from home for several hours, try turning it down further – ideally by 7°F to 10°F.¹² Instead of immediately reaching for the thermostat when feeling chilly, consider adding a sweater or using an extra blanket – simple behavioral shifts can save energy.¹¹
  • Summer Strategy: Set your thermostat to 78°F (or higher if comfortable) when you are at home.¹⁰ When leaving the house for more than four hours, raise the setting even higher.¹⁰ Utilize fans (both ceiling and portable) to create a cooling breeze; they can make a room feel 4°F to 6°F cooler, allowing for a higher thermostat setting.¹⁰ Ensure ceiling fans are rotating counter-clockwise in the summer to push cool air downwards.¹⁰ Remember the "20-degree rule": air conditioners are generally designed to cool about 15-20 degrees below the outside temperature. Setting it lower forces the unit to run constantly. ¹⁰
• Potential Savings: The U.S. Department of Energy frequently states that setting your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day can save as much as 10% annually on heating and cooling costs.¹² Other estimates suggest savings of around 1% to 3% ¹¹, or even up to 5.4% ¹⁹, for each degree the average temperature is lowered (in winter) or raised (in summer). While exact savings vary based on climate, home insulation, energy prices, and personal habits, the potential is significant.¹⁴
• Stewardship Link: Adjusting the thermostat isn't about being uncomfortable; it's about being mindful and using only the energy truly needed for reasonable comfort, avoiding excess and waste.

Smarter Hot Water Habits

Heating water is another major energy consumer in the home. It can account for roughly 14% of electricity usage ¹ or even up to 25% of a household's total energy bill.²¹ Therefore, reducing the amount of hot water used directly translates into energy savings.

• Actionable Steps (Choose 1-2 This Month):
  • Wash Clothes Cold: A vast majority of laundry loads can be effectively cleaned using cold water. Since 75-90% of a washing machine's energy use goes towards heating water, switching to cold washes offers substantial energy savings.²¹ Always aim to wash full loads to maximize efficiency.²¹
  • Take Shorter Showers: Consciously reducing time spent in the shower directly cuts hot water consumption.²¹ Remember, a 5-minute shower uses significantly less water (and the energy to heat it) than a full bath (10-25 gallons vs. up to 70 gallons).²⁴
  • Dishwasher Discipline: Only run your dishwasher when it's completely full.²¹ If your machine has an air-dry setting, use it instead of the heat-dry cycle to save additional energy.¹⁵
  • Check Water Heater Temperature: Many water heaters are set to 140°F by default, but 120°F is sufficient for most households and is the recommended setting for efficiency and safety.¹⁰ Lowering the temperature from 140°F to 120°F can save $36-$61 annually just from reduced standby heat loss (heat escaping the tank), plus potentially over $400 per year from using less energy when hot water is drawn.²⁶ (Checking and adjusting this might require consulting the water heater manual but offers a high savings potential).
• Stewardship Link: Conserving hot water is a double win for stewardship – it saves both the precious resource of water and the energy required to heat it.

Banish Phantom Power (Vampire Energy)

Have you heard of "phantom load" or "vampire energy"? It refers to the electricity consumed by electronic devices even when they are turned off or in standby mode.¹² Think about your TV with its little standby light, your microwave clock, or your phone charger left plugged in after your phone is full. These devices are constantly sipping electricity, contributing to waste.

• The Impact: This phantom load accounts for a significant chunk of residential energy use – estimates range from 5% to 10% ¹⁸, up to 10% ²², and some studies suggest it could be even higher, perhaps 23% or more as homes fill with more "always-on" gadgets.³¹ This is energy paid for that provides absolutely no function.
• Actionable Steps (Choose 1-2 This Month):
  • Unplug Chargers: Chargers for phones, laptops, tablets, power tools, and other devices often continue to draw power even when the device isn't connected or is fully charged.²⁸ Make it a habit to unplug them from the wall when not actively charging.
  • Use Power Strips Strategically: Group electronics like your TV, streaming device, soundbar, and game console onto a single power strip. When you're finished using them, simply flip the switch on the power strip to cut power to everything at once.¹² This works well for computer workstations too (computer, monitor, printer). Advanced or "smart" power strips can even automate this process.¹²
  • Identify and Unplug "Energy Vampires": Take a look around your home. Is that old VCR in the guest room still plugged in? The spare clock radio in the basement? Any device plugged in but rarely or never used is a candidate for unplugging.¹² If you have a smart meter that shows hourly usage, checking consumption late at night (e.g., 3 AM) can help reveal unexpectedly high baseline usage from these phantom loads.¹²
• Potential Savings: Eliminating these phantom loads can save the average household $100 to $200 per year.²⁸ That breaks down to roughly $8 to $17 per month saved by stopping payment for energy that provides zero benefit.
• Stewardship Link: Tackling phantom load is pure waste reduction. It's about being intentional and ensuring the resources God provides aren't being squandered on powering devices that aren't even in use.

Quick Lighting Wins

While upgrading to energy-efficient LED bulbs offers long-term savings ¹⁸, there are immediate behavioral changes related to lighting that cost nothing.

• Actionable Steps:
  • Turn Off Lights: It sounds basic, but make a conscious effort to turn off lights when leaving a room.¹⁶
  • Use Task Lighting: Instead of illuminating an entire room, use a smaller desk lamp or reading lamp when focused on a specific area.¹⁰
• Potential Savings: The savings add up. For example (using sample figures), switching off just five 60-watt incandescent bulbs for 10 hours a day could save around $9 per month.¹⁸ Even with more efficient LEDs, the principle holds – don't pay to light empty spaces.
• Stewardship Link: Using light intentionally – only where needed and when needed – is a simple act of responsible resource management.

Potential Savings Summary: Electricity

The combined effect of these behavioral changes can be significant. While individual results vary, focusing on these areas offers tangible savings potential.

(Note: Savings are estimates and depend on individual usage, home characteristics, climate, and utility rates. Some savings percentages apply to specific energy uses, e.g., heating/cooling or water heating, while others apply to the total bill.)

It becomes clear that while one action might seem small, adopting several of these mindful energy habits can lead to substantial overall savings. The 10% potential from thermostat adjustments, combined with 5-10% from tackling phantom loads, plus savings from smarter hot water and lighting use, demonstrates a compounding effect. Starting with one focused effort this month builds momentum toward developing a comprehensive suite of stewardship practices that significantly impact the electric bill over time.

Target #2: Conserving Water, Conserving Cash

While typically less expensive than electricity or gas ³, water is one of God's most fundamental provisions, and conserving it is a vital aspect of stewardship. Furthermore, as we've seen, saving hot water also saves the energy used to heat it, creating a dual benefit.³⁸ The EPA estimates that the average household could save around $170 per year (about $14 per month) simply by adopting water-efficient practices and fixing leaks.²⁴

The Hunt for Leaks

Leaks are silent thieves, wasting both water and money. A seemingly small drip can add up significantly over time – a single faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons of water annually.²⁴

• Actionable Steps:
  • Toilet Test: This is a common culprit. Place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Wait about 15 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the toilet bowl, you have a leak, likely from a faulty flapper.²⁴ Toilet leaks can be substantial, sometimes wasting as much as 200 gallons per day!²⁵ Remember to flush immediately after the test to avoid staining the tank.²⁴
  • Faucet & Showerhead Check: Regularly listen and look for drips from all faucets and showerheads in your home. Even slow drips should be repaired promptly.²³
• Stewardship Link: Fixing leaks is a direct way to stop the literal pouring of God's precious resource – and your money – down the drain. It's about plugging holes in our management.

Bathroom Water Savers

The bathroom accounts for over half of all indoor water use in a typical home.³⁹ Simple habit changes here can make a big impact.

• Actionable Steps (Choose 1-2 This Month):
  • Turn Off Taps: Don't let the water run continuously while brushing your teeth (this alone can save up to 8 gallons per day!) or while shaving.²³
  • Take Shorter Showers: Aim for showers that are 5 minutes or less.²⁴ Showers generally use much less water than baths (10-25 gallons for a 5-minute shower vs. up to 70 gallons for a full bath).²⁴
  • Mindful Flushing: Avoid using the toilet as a convenient trash can for facial tissues or other small waste items. Each flush avoided saves gallons of water (up to 6 gallons per flush, depending on the toilet).²³
• Stewardship Link: These actions represent conscious, mindful use of water during daily routines, acknowledging its value and avoiding unnecessary consumption.

Kitchen & Laundry Habits

Chores involving water offer more opportunities for conservation.

• Actionable Steps (Choose 1-2 This Month):
  • Full Loads Only: Make it a rule to only run the dishwasher and washing machine when they have a full load.²¹ If a smaller load is unavoidable, be sure to use the appropriate water level setting on the washing machine.²⁴
  • Scrape, Don't Rinse (Dishes): Most modern dishwashers don't require pre-rinsing. Simply scrape food scraps off plates into the trash or compost before loading.²⁵ This saves gallons of water.
  • Efficient Handwashing: If washing dishes by hand, fill one side of the sink or a wash basin with soapy water for washing and the other side with clean water for rinsing, rather than letting the tap run continuously.³⁹
• Stewardship Link: Practicing efficiency in these water-intensive chores demonstrates responsible management of resources.

The connection between water and energy use cannot be overstated. Heating water is energy-intensive.¹ Therefore, every gallon of hot water saved through actions like shorter showers, washing clothes in cold water, fixing hot water leaks, or running full dishwasher loads also saves the electricity or natural gas that would have been used to heat it. This "water-energy nexus," or "Drops to Watts Connection" as the EPA calls it ³⁹, means that water conservation efforts provide a powerful two-for-one benefit, reducing both water/sewer bills and energy bills simultaneously. This synergy makes water conservation an even more compelling act of stewardship.

Bonus Targets: Quick Checks for Internet & Phone Savings

While we often think of electricity, gas, and water as traditional utilities, monthly bills for internet and phone services are significant and necessary expenses for most households.¹ Stewardship applies here too – paying for services we don't actually need or use, or paying more than necessary due to confusing bills or lack of negotiation, is not wise management of God's resources. Quick checks in these areas can sometimes yield surprising savings.

Internet Check-up

Internet bills can be notoriously confusing. Service is often bundled with TV or phone, making it hard to isolate the internet cost. Bills may contain hidden fees, equipment rental charges, or confusing jargon.⁴⁰ Furthermore, prices for similar speeds can vary widely depending on location and provider.⁴⁰

• Actionable Steps (Choose 1 This Month):
  • Audit Your Bill: Take a close look at your latest internet bill. Can you clearly identify the charge specifically for internet service? Look for line items like modem/router rental fees (consider purchasing your own equipment to eliminate these recurring charges ⁴⁰), or vague fees like "network enhancement fee," "internet infrastructure fee," or "technology service fee".⁴¹ Question any charges you don't understand.
  • Check Your Speed: Are you paying for gigabit speeds but only using email and basic browsing? Or are you paying for a lower tier but experiencing slow service? Use an online speed test (like those offered by Ookla or M-Lab ⁴⁰) to compare the actual speed you're receiving to the speed advertised in your plan.
  • Call Your Provider & Negotiate: Armed with information from your bill audit and speed test, call your internet service provider. Ask for a clear explanation of your charges. Inquire about any current promotions, loyalty discounts, or lower-cost plans that might meet your needs. Don't be afraid to mention competitor offers if you know them. Consumer Reports notes that members consistently find success in lowering their bills simply by haggling.⁴⁰
• Stewardship Link: Ensuring you understand your bill and are paying a fair price for the level of internet service you actually need and receive is part of being a diligent manager.

Phone Check-up

Cell phone plans can also be a source of unnecessary spending if not managed carefully. We might pay for unlimited data we don't use, features like expensive insurance or international roaming we rarely need, or simply be on a plan that's no longer the best fit.⁴³

• Actionable Steps (Choose 1 This Month):
  • Use WiFi Aggressively: Make it a habit to connect your phone to WiFi networks whenever possible – at home, at work, in coffee shops, stores, etc..⁴³ This dramatically reduces your reliance on costly cellular data. Download music, podcasts, or videos over WiFi for offline enjoyment later.⁴³
  • Manage Background Data: Many apps consume data even when you're not actively using them. Go into your phone's settings and restrict background data usage for apps that don't require constant updates (check instructions for iPhone and Android ⁴³).
  • Review Your Usage & Plan: Check your phone bill or carrier's app to see your actual data, talk, and text usage over the past few months.⁴³ Are you paying for an unlimited data plan but consistently using only 5GB? You could likely save money by switching to a lower-tier plan.⁴⁴ Conversely, if you're frequently paying overage charges, an unlimited plan might be more cost-effective.⁴³ Also, review any add-ons like phone insurance (especially for older phones), premium subscriptions bundled with your plan, or international features – cut what you don't truly need.⁴³
  • Ask About Discounts: Contact your carrier and inquire about potential discounts. Many offer savings for enrolling in autopay and paperless billing.⁴³ There might also be discounts available based on your employer, or if you are a student, senior, veteran, or military member.⁴³ If multiple family members are on separate plans, investigate consolidating onto a family plan for potential per-line savings.⁴³
• Stewardship Link: Good stewardship involves ensuring you are paying only for the communication services you genuinely need and utilize, avoiding waste on unused data or unnecessary features.

It's important to recognize that achieving savings on internet and phone bills often involves a different type of intentional action compared to reducing electricity or water use. While behavioral changes like using WiFi more are helpful, significant savings frequently come from actively auditing the bill and negotiating with the provider.⁴⁰ This requires proactive engagement – reviewing usage, understanding plan details, identifying unnecessary charges, and then contacting the company to request changes or better rates. This direct interaction is a valid and often necessary part of being a diligent steward in these service areas, ensuring fair value for the money spent.

Your Challenge: Pick One, Start Today!

So, there you have it – several potential targets and a handful of simple, actionable steps you can take this month to intentionally lower one of your utility bills. The goal isn't to do everything at once, but to choose one area – electricity, water, internet, or phone – and implement one or two specific changes right away.

Maybe this week, you'll commit to lowering your thermostat by two degrees. Perhaps today, you'll perform the toilet leak test in all your bathrooms. Or maybe tomorrow, you'll call your internet provider to discuss your bill.

Pick something achievable and start. Remember the wisdom of Proverbs 21:5: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit”.⁵ Small, consistent, intentional actions are the bedrock of good stewardship. Don't get discouraged if the savings seem small at first. Celebrate the win of taking action and being more mindful. Keep track, check your next bill, and see the difference your diligence makes!

Faithful Management: A Continuous Journey

This month's challenge is a starting point, a way to build momentum. True Christian stewardship isn't a one-time event; it's an ongoing journey of learning, adjusting, and faithfully managing all the resources God entrusts to us for His glory.⁵

The simple behavioral changes and quick checks we've discussed form the foundation. As these habits become second nature, you might explore further savings through larger, longer-term investments like upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified appliances, improving home insulation, installing energy-efficient windows or low-flow fixtures, or even exploring renewable energy options like solar panels.¹²

But it all starts with the choices we make today. Managing our finances and resources faithfully, including our utility usage, brings a sense of peace and aligns our lives more fully with God's purposes.⁵ It frees us from unnecessary burdens and positions us to be more generous and available for His work.

I encourage you to prayerfully consider which area you'll focus on this month. Ask God for wisdom and discipline as you take these steps.⁸

May God bless you with wisdom and diligence in your stewardship journey. Until next time, this is Ralph for Ask Ralph - Christian Finance.

Works cited

1. How Much Are Utilities Per Month: Avg Cost for a House | Inspire Clean Energy, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.inspirecleanenergy.com/blog/clean-energy-101/average-cost-utilities-for-house
2. House utilities: A fundamental guide for homeowners and renters - Rocket Homes, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.rockethomes.com/blog/homeowner-tips/house-utilities
3. Utility Bills 101: Average Costs of Utility Bills by State - This Old House, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/moving/utility-bills-101
4. Utility Bills 101: Average Monthly Cost of Utilities by State and Nationally | Move.org, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.move.org/utility-bills-101/
5. Financial Stewardship: Managing Resources God's Way - Man in ..., accessed May 2, 2025, https://maninthemirror.org/financial-stewardship-managing-resources-gods-way/
6. How to make a Family Budget – FINANCIAL PLANNING and ..., accessed May 2, 2025, https://biblicalstewardship.net/how-to-make-a-family-budget/
7. Christian Financial Stewardship - Pursuing the Truth Store, accessed May 2, 2025, https://pursuingthetruth.org/christian-financial-stewardship/
8. Stewarding Finances as a Christian Couple - Eagle Family Ministries, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.eaglefamily.org/stewarding-finances-as-a-christian-couple/
9. Family Financial Planning God's Way - Adventist Stewardship, accessed May 2, 2025, https://stewardship.adventist.org/family-planning-gods-way
10. Energy Saving Tips, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.cpsenergy.com/en/my-home/savings-programs/energy-saving--tips.html
11. Does Lowering a Thermostat One Degree Really Save You Money?, accessed May 2, 2025, https://thomasgalbraith.com/knowledge-center/does-one-degree-make-a-difference-on-thermostat/
12. Reducing Electricity Use and Costs | Department of Energy, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/reducing-electricity-use-and-costs
13. Fall and Winter Energy-Saving Tips, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/fall-and-winter-energy-saving-tips
14. Programmable Thermostats | Department of Energy, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats
15. Assistance with Energy Bills / Energy Savings Tips | Public Service ..., accessed May 2, 2025, https://psc.utah.gov/energy-saving-tips/
16. Power To Save - Public Utility Commission of Texas, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.puc.texas.gov/powertosavetexas/
17. 5 Tips to Help You Save on Energy Bills this Winter, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.energy.gov/articles/5-tips-help-you-save-energy-bills-winter
18. How to Save on Your Electric Bill - Ramsey Solutions, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/how-to-lower-electric-bill
19. How Much is 1° Worth? - EnergyHub, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.energyhub.com/news/how-much-is-one-degree-worth
20. Winter Energy Savings from Lower Thermostat Settings? 2000 RECS - EIA, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/data/1997/thermostat_settings/thermostat.php
21. 5 simple ideas to save energy | energy.gov.au, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.energy.gov.au/households/household-guides/5-ideas-saving-energy-and-money
22. 10 Energy-Wasting Habits at Home (and How to Fix Them) | Alliance ..., accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.ase.org/blog/10-energy-wasting-habits-home-and-how-fix-them
23. Water Use & Conservation - NYSDEC, accessed May 2, 2025, https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quantity/water-use-conservation
24. Simple Steps to Save Water | WaterSense | US EPA, accessed May 2, 2025, https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/watersense/pubs/simple_steps.html
25. WaterSense for Kids | US EPA, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-kids
26. Do-It-Yourself Savings Project: Lower Water Heating Temperature - Department of Energy, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-savings-project-lower-water-heating-temperature
27. How to Conserve Energy: 10 Tips to Save Electricity | EnergySage, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.energysage.com/energy-efficiency/ways-to-save-energy/
28. Will Unplugging Appliances Lower Your Electric Bill? | CA - Handyman Heroes, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.handymanhero.es/will-unplugging-electrical-appliances-help-lower-your-electric-bill/
29. Reducing Phantom Energy Draws - Efficiency Maine, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.efficiencymaine.com/reducing-phantom-energy-draws/
30. Phantom Loads - Moorhead Public Service, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.mpsutility.com/index.php/en/energy-conservation/47-phantom-loads
31. The Hidden Culprit of Home Energy Bills: Phantom Load Revealed - Loop, accessed May 2, 2025, https://loop.homes/loop-smart-meter-app/phantom-load/
32. Energy Efficiency: Phantom Energy | BELCO, accessed May 2, 2025, https://belco.bm/energy-efficiency-phantom-energy/
33. How to Save Money on Your Electric Bill in the Kitchen - Going Zero Waste, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/how-to-save-money-on-your-electric-bill-in-the-kitchen/
34. How to Lower Your Electric Bill | Energy Harbor, accessed May 2, 2025, https://energyharbor.com/en/energy-resources/energy-savings-tips/lowering-your-energy-bill
35. energy.gov, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/reducing-electricity-use-and-costs#:~:text=Select%20an%20energy%2Defficient%20heating,examine%20your%20consumption%20at%203AM.
36. Electricity Bill Estimate Calculator | Reliant Energy, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.reliant.com/en/residential/help-support/moving-resources/utility-bill-estimator
37. Do You Pay More or Less Than the Average Electric Bill?, accessed May 2, 2025, https://energyharbor.com/en/energy-resources/energy-savings-tips/what-is-the-average-gas-electric-bill
38. Saving Water Helps Protect Our Nation's Water Supplies - Energy Star, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.energystar.gov/products/recent_program_updates/saving-water-helps-protect-our-nations-water-supplies
39. Start Saving | US EPA, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.epa.gov/watersense/start-saving
40. Consumer Reports: How to save on your internet bill - WSLS 10, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.wsls.com/news/2023/01/13/consumer-reports-how-to-save-on-your-internet-bill/
41. Fight for Fair Internet - Innovation at Consumer Reports, accessed May 2, 2025, https://innovation.consumerreports.org/initiatives/fight-for-fair-internet/
42. Broadband Pricing - Innovation at Consumer Reports, accessed May 2, 2025, https://innovation.consumerreports.org/FINAL.report-broadband.november-17-2022-2.pdf
43. 13 Ways To Lower Your Cell Phone Bill | Astound Mobile, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.astound.com/learn/mobile/lower-cell-phone-bill/
44. 12 Tips on How to Lower a Cell Phone Bill - InCharge Debt Solutions, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.incharge.org/debt-relief/how-to-lower-cell-phone-bill/
45. The Ultimate Guide On How To Lower Phone Bill Effectively In 2025 - AirTalk Wireless, accessed May 2, 2025, https://airtalkwireless.com/blog/how-to-lower-phone-bill-effectively
46. How To Lower Your Cell Phone Bill (Including Negotiation Scripts - by Ramit Sethi, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/tip-5-optimize-your-cellphone-bill/
47. How To Save Money and Lower Your Cell Phone Bill | SoFi, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/lowering-your-cell-phone-bill/
48. Maximize Savings with an Appliance Energy Usage Calculator: Track and Reduce Your Home's Energy Costs - Parker & Sons, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.parkerandsons.com/blog/maximize-savings-with-an-appliance-enegry-usage-calculator-track-and-reduce-your-homes-enegry-costs
49. Save on Heating Costs with ENERGY STAR This Season, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.energystar.gov/products/save-heating-costs-energy-star-season
50. Electricity Calculator, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.calculator.net/electricity-calculator.html