To keep utility costs down, homeowners should try shutting off or unplugging any devices that are not in use and investing in quality insulation to keep their heating and cooling costs low. Additionally, you should pay attention to the monthly bill from the electric company to make sure the measures you’ve taken have been effective. However, since there are naturally times when you use more power than others, this can be difficult. To help you interpret your bill and know when to expect increases, here's how your electricity use changes over time.

During the Day

Logically, your home uses the least amount of electricity during the night while you're sleeping, as only appliances like your refrigerator are running at this time. In the morning, your use will quickly jump to its daytime level, with another dip around the time most people go to work. The electric company often sees another increase in demand at sunset when you turn the lights on.

By Season

New Mexico residents tend to use the most electricity in the summer—to power their air conditioning systems—with use going up as the temperature does. During the winter, when the furnace goes on, the electricity company will often note a surge in usage again—though less noticeably this time, especially if you use a fuel-burning heat system. By contrast, utility bills are lowest in the spring and fall, when the temperature is mild.

Over the Years

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average electric company sold a steadily increasing amount of power to American families beginning in 1990. But after peaking in 2012, this rate has declined steadily, in large part due to residents switching to more energy-efficient lighting in recent years.

If you're looking for a reliable and cost-effective electric company in Hernandez, NM, choose Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative. Serving Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, San Juan, McKinley, and Sandoval counties, they are the largest electric cooperative in the state and have offered low prices and excellent customer service since their founding in 1947. To see if you're in their service area, call (505) 753-2105 or visit them online.