To save money on utilities in Aiken, South Carolina, here are several effective strategies:
- Participate in the “You Shift/You Save” program by Dominion Energy. It is a voluntary rate plan where you pay less for electricity used during off-peak and super off-peak hours. By shifting your major appliance use and electric vehicle charging to these cheaper periods, you can save up to 40% on that portion of your electric bill. However, it requires changing your energy consumption habits to avoid higher costs during peak hours.​
- Consider the Help My House program administered by KW Savings. This program assists qualifying homeowners in Aiken with upgrades like high-efficiency HVAC, air sealing, duct sealing, and insulation retrofits. These improvements can lead to average monthly utility savings of 23% to 34%. Costs above $15,000 are out-of-pocket, but many retrofits cost between $7,000 and $12,000 and financing options may be available.​
- Follow basic conservation tips such as only running dishwashers and clothes washers when full, washing clothes in cold water, air sealing gaps and holes in your home, and using window drapes to optimize heat and light during different seasons.​
- Get an energy assessment of your home by a program-approved contractor to identify specific energy-saving opportunities and possible rebates or financing for upgrades through South Carolina Home Energy Rebates or local cooperatives.​
By combining these rate programs, retrofit assistance, and everyday conservation practices, residents of Aiken can significantly reduce their monthly utility bills and improve energy efficiency in their homes.​
If desired, more tailored advice can be provided based on your specific home and energy usage patterns.
SOURCES
[1](http://www.dominionenergy.com/en/South-Carolina/Save-Energy/You-Shift-You-Save)
[2](https://www.ecsc.org/help-my-house)
[3](https://www.acpsd.net/o/district/page/energy-savings-program)
[4](https://energy.sc.gov/rebates)
[5](https://trcwaterdistrict.com/conservation-tips)
