Every month, our utility bills come in the mail like clockwork.  Some months the balance is high and sometimes we catch a break.  This is definitely the year to do as much as you can to avoid major utility bills. Here are a few hints:

• Check with utility companies about payment plans.  When you enter into a plan, your monthly payment is calculated according to the average of your bill for the last twelve months.  The monthly payment may be above or below what the actual amount of the service is.  At the end of the year, your account will be credited for the average, or you will be billed for any excess charges.  As far as budgeting on a monthly basis, a payment plan ensures that you can count on a constant payment.
• When you use hot water, energy is needed to heat the water to a certain temperature.  Using a lot of hot water will not only raise your water bill but also the gas or electric bill.  Cut costs and save money by washing in cold water.
• As far as water goes, investing in faucet aerators and low flow shower heads reduce the amount of water that is used.  My kids like to take long showers.  A low flow head gives better spray using less water.  
• Yippee! Using a dishwasher also reduces your water bill.  A dishwasher uses a certain amount of water to wash a load of dishes.  When you wash by hand, more water is used because you fill up the sink or basin once for dishes and once for pans.  You also run the faucet to rinse them.  As long as you have a full load, you waste less water in a dishwasher.
• Lowering the temperature on your hot water heater is a good way to cut back on heating costs.  It takes less energy to raise the temperature twenty degrees instead of fifty. Your family will get used to a lower temperature pretty quickly (and get out of the shower faster!).
• Purchasing energy-efficient appliances saves money.  On the front label it details how much money you save each time you use it compared to an appliance that is not energy efficient.  If it is time to replace your old appliances, remember to go green (and check with www.freecycle.org to see if someone handy can take the old one off for repair or parts scavenging).
• Contact the local power company for a free home efficiency assessment.  They can tell you where you are spending big dollars and suggest ways to save on energy. Some will even provide you with free fluorescent bulbs!