Are heating costs jacking up your electric bills? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Space heating is the largest energy expense in the average U.S. home, accounting for 45% of energy bills.” Commercial energy prices and heating costs are just as high, if not higher. Keeping utility bills manageable during the winter, however, is plausible. Here’s what you can do:

Get the Best Rate

Residents and business owners in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusets, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas have the option to pick and choose electricity providers. (Washington, D.C. also allows energy suppliers to compete for consumers’ business.)

First and foremost, make certain you are choosing providers based on your needs. Electric utility suppliers often extend different rates for residential and commercial heating. When calling for estimates, make sure to specify whether you are heating a house, or looking for competitive business electricity rates. Also keep in mind that landlords often receive discounts for energy costs in large, multi-unit apartment buildings. Second, explore all of your options. You may be able to save money on electricity bills by choosing clean and/or green energy, or simply by switching to a different payment plan.

Program Your Thermostat

One of the simplest ways to save money on monthly energy bills is by purchasing a programmable thermostat. “You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home. By turning your thermostat back 10 degrees to 15 degrees for 8 hours, you can save 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill — a savings of as much as 1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long,” the U.S. Department of Energy states.

Save money on high winter electricity bills. Cut costs by choosing the provider and rates that best suit you — from standard residential rates to commercial energy prices — and picking up a programmable thermostat. Get more here.