Prices are getting hot this summer. My Xcel bill is up to $286.70 for July compared to $138.25 in February 2026. Gas prices have risen from an average of $2.59 per gallon in February of this year to approximately $4.11 in August. My water bill has doubled due to watering the lawn and then there’s the lawn maintenance costs—mowing, fertilizing, and this special year a grub invasion—that go away from November to March.
It’s time to unplug something to get my budget in line. But how…and what?
Xcel Energy electricity in Denver typically costs about 15.05 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) on average when combining all base rates, delivery fees, and riders, though specific base energy charges vary by your chosen pricing plan. Without all the extras added in, Xcel’s summer rate for 2026 is $0.10380 cents per kilowatt hour. Residential Flat Rates during Winter drop to $0.08570 cents per kilowatt hour.
MSN.com this week reported that there are appliances that should be unplugged when not in use and some that can be left plugged in.
MSN.com recommends unplugging your TV known to use 100 or fewer watts per hour when turned on and 3 watts of energy when turned off but still plugged in.
MSN.com also recommends unplugging your computer router that can consume 5 – 20 watts per hour. Another recommendation: unplug device chargers and switch off surge protectors.
But you can leave an old school toaster with no digital screen plugged in. It’s the digital screen on your appliances (think microwave) that uses phantom watts of power waiting for you to push the start button on the digital screen.
The problem with MSN.com’srecommendations is that since Covid I’ve been working from home on my desktop computer with my laptop connected…sometimes 18 hours a day. Unplugging appliances is the last thing on my mind.
Instead of going the unplugging and plugging back in route, I’m paying more attention to the systems and appliances that consume electricity:
HVAC Systems contribute to 40-50% of home energy use. One thing you can do to reduce electrical use is to replace air filters regularly to maintain efficiency.
Water Heaters contribute to 14-18% of energy use. Lower the temp to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce strain on the water heater which ramps up the watts.
Refrigerators and freezers contribute to 8-13%. Keep your fridge at 37-40 degrees and your freezer at 0 degrees. The best thing you can do to save energy is avoid overcrowding (being too well-stocked uses more energy.)
Use cold water for laundry to save on electrical costs and switch to LED bulbs that use 90% less energy than incandescent.
Match pot size to burner size when cooking on your electric range to avoid wasted heat and use lids to cook faster.
Fifty years ago, my monthly electrical bill was, as I recall, an average of $25/month. That was before cell phones, computers, and all the kinds of electronics we rely on in 2026. That’s a 442% increase in electrical from 1975 to 2026. Compared to the increase in tuition at the college I attended ($3,000/year in 1974) electrical cost increases are nothing. Tuition at that same college is now $85,600, a 2,753.33 percent increase.
Allstar electrical has replaced the old-school light fixtures in my home with LED fixtures and while LED light bulbs cost more than I remember spending on incandescent bulbs a decade ago, the LED last longer and provide a more appealing daylight color temperature.
Allstar Electrical can review your electrical wiring, outlets, connections and power box and advise you if you need an upgrade to keep you safe. Allstar’s top tier electricians work with your contractor and designer (or you if you’re a DIY kind of homeowner) to remodel your home’s electrical functions when you’re upgrading your residence. Contact Allstar Electrical today and get scheduled for the upgrades you’ve put off for too long.
Lights out.