Category: Utilities & Energy
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Heating oil costs 42.9% more than it did a year ago
The CPI fuel oil index rose 42.9 percent over the 12 months ending June 2026, while piped gas rose 3.0 percent and electricity 4.0 percent.
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New York budgeted $1 billion for energy rebate checks scheduled to mail starting in September
New York’s FY27 Enacted Budget provides $1 billion in POWER energy rebate checks of $200, $150 or $100, scheduled to mail between September and December 2026.
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California utility customers get the climate credit twice this summer, worth $98.72 in San Diego
The California Climate Credit moves to August and September in 2026. SDG&E customers get $49.36 twice, PG&E $36.18 and SCE $36.00, applied automatically.
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Electricity is on pace to average 18.3 cents a kilowatt-hour this year
Eighteen point three cents per kilowatthour means nothing until it is multiplied by a month of ordinary use. The Energy Information Administration’s most recent published figure puts the average U.S. residential customer at roughly 899 kilowatthours a month, which turns that rate into about $165 of electricity before taxes, fees and the fixed monthly charge…
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Budget Billing: How Level Utility Payments Work
Budget billing turns lurching utility bills into one level monthly payment. How the averaging works, what the true-up month means, and who it helps.
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Time-of-Use Rates: When Electricity Costs Half as Much
Time-of-use electric rates can cut the price per kilowatt-hour in half overnight. How the pricing works, who saves, and who should stay on a flat rate.
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The Weatherization Assistance Program: Free Home Fixes
The federal Weatherization Assistance Program pays for insulation, air sealing, and furnace fixes for income-eligible households. Who qualifies and how to apply.
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Fans, AC, and Kilowatts: What Cooling Actually Costs
One kilowatt-hour costs about 19 cents at 2026 rates. Learn the one formula that prices any fan or AC in your house — and the fan trick that cuts the bill.
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Why Water Bills Keep Climbing and What Can Help
Water and sewer bills keep rising nationwide. Here’s the $625 billion repair bill behind the increases — and the fixes and help that lower yours.
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State Rebates for Efficient Appliances: How to Claim Yours
Federal money for energy-efficient appliances flows through the states, and the rules differ everywhere. Here is how to find out what your state offers.
