According to data collected by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) as of December 2024, monthly electricity bills in Maryland have increased to an average of around $177. This is more than the equivalent bill in 2023 and more than the national average, which is around $153.
While inflation explains some of this price increase, Maryland remains a hot spot for energy cost hikes due to multi-year infrastructure increases, competition among utility suppliers, and rising material costs. As a Maryland homeowner, you may seek ways to reduce your household’s energy use. Comprehending your energy usage data is the first step.
This article aims to help homeowners analyze their kWh data and plan for the future with more efficient and inflation-resistant power options.
Energy Efficiency vs. Conservation
Energy efficiency and conservation are related but not identical topics. All homeowners must understand the difference to maintain energy efficiency and lower costs. For your home, “energy efficiency” refers to how well its energy conversion systems function and how well its building materials retain and regulate temperature.
If your home’s energy efficiency is low, it could mean that its power-generating infrastructure is outdated or inefficient. You can improve this by buying a new system or upgrading building materials to absorb less or more heat.
“Energy conservation” refers to measures beyond the system’s efficiency. Conservation is a process that homeowners adopt to save energy more directly. For example, turning off unneeded power-consuming devices, investing in smarter appliances, or switching to new forms of energy can place less demand on the home’s electricity needs.
What is kWh Data?
Your home’s kWh data measures your monthly energy usage. KWh data is usually itemized on your energy bill by specific charges and compared to your previous usage. To use a BGE energy bill as an example, your kWh data will be listed on Page Two under “Electric details.”
It shows the current reading in kWh and the previous reading, then breaks down the charges for that month’s electricity delivery. The average home uses around 900 kWh of electricity for an average size of 1,700 sq. ft.
If your home is larger, your kWh scale will be higher to account for your greater energy needs. By comprehending your energy bill, regardless of your provider, you can compare your kWh usage over time to find ways to reduce your energy use using better energy efficiency andmore energy conservation.
How to Lower Energy Usage in Maryland
By deploying both energy-saving methods, Maryland homeowners can use their kWh data to save money each month. Here are a few easy steps to take to reduce household energy use in your situation:
1. Switch to a Solar Installation
In Maryland, residential solar panels offset an average of 89% of electricity costs to a cleaner and more efficient power source. This reduced reliance on the grid will allow you to save money each month while future-proofing your finances against inevitable electricity hikes in the coming years. Your kWh data will reflect the change on next month’s bill.
2. Invest in Smarter Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances and devices can reduce wasted electricity. For example, power strips can reduce unneeded electricity drains with internal cutoffs for devices not currently in use. When plugged into conventional outlets, these devices continuously draw more power.
3. Improve Building Materials
Your roofing materials may be impacting your home’s energy efficiency. Since materials such as asphalt absorb heat while lighter materials such as metal reflect it, the choice of material can profoundly affect your overall energy efficiency.
4. Reduce Your Usage Manually
Many homeowners can take small steps to reduce their household energy usage without making drastic changes, such as turning off lights at night, unplugging devices not currently in use, or selling/upgrading extra appliances. However, these small steps cannot have a lasting impact on their kWh usage data.
Contact Energy Select to Understand and Improve Your Residential Energy Usage
At Energy Select, our technicians provide effective solar installations that help homeowners improve their residential energy usage and lower their monthly costs. Solar arrays provide more efficient ways to use power and reduce the amount of power you need per month, allowing homeowners to tackle their kWh rates from two important angles: efficiency and conservation.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how state-of-the-art solar panels can lower your energy bills. For Maryland homeowners, energy prices are only going to keep increasing. Now is the perfect time to invest in a more energy-efficient future for yourself and your family.