January is passing quickly, and as the new year gets underway, many households are taking stock of their budgets. If you’re starting the year slowly or haven’t tackled your financial goals yet, that’s okay—there’s still plenty of time to plan ahead. Power bills are likely high on the list of concerns—especially after the fluctuating costs of recent years. But understanding your power bill doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Let’s break it down: what your bill is telling you, why costs are rising, and how to take control of your energy spending in 2025.

What your power bill really says

Your power bill can feel like a maze of numbers and charges, but it’s simpler than it looks once you know what to focus on. The two main components are:

• Supply charges: This is the cost of the electricity you use, measured in cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). For example, if your rate is 15 cents per kWh and you use 800 kWh, your supply charge is $120.
• Delivery charges: This covers the cost of maintaining the grid and delivering electricity to your home. These fees are often listed separately and can vary based on your utility.

To get a clear picture of your energy spending, start by checking your supply rate and usage. Multiply your supply rate by your total usage to understand what you’re paying for electricity itself. Then, add the delivery charges to calculate your total bill.

What power prices look like today

As of this month, here’s a snapshot of utility supply rates across several states. These rates are effective now, with some set to expire in the coming months and others locked in through spring or summer 2025. It’s critical to pay attention to expiration dates, as rates may change soon for some utilities. By keeping track of these rates and expiration timelines, you can better plan for your power costs and even take proactive steps to find lower, fixed rates. If you live in one of these deregulated energy markets, there are third-party rates available and they could be lower than what your utility is offering now.

‍

source: joinarbor.com

Key takeaways:

• Rates for utilities like PEPCO (Maryland) and Atlantic City Electric (New Jersey) are stable through late spring 2025, providing predictability for customers in these areas.
• In Massachusetts, prices are expected to decline starting February, offering relief to customers locked into higher winter rates.
• Ohio continues to see some of the lowest rates, with some slight increases expected later in 2025.

Why power bills are climbing

Several factors are driving up energy costs this year:

• Rising demand: More households are adopting electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other energy-intensive devices, pushing overall consumption higher.
• Infrastructure upgrades: Utilities are investing heavily in renewable energy and grid improvements. While these changes promise long-term benefits, they come with short-term costs passed on to customers.
• Weather extremes: Last winter’s storms and cold snaps strained grids and increased costs. Repairs and resilience upgrades to handle future weather events add to your bill.

How to save on energy costs in 2025

Saving on your power bill doesn’t have to mean big sacrifices. Here are a few straightforward steps you can take:

• Shop for better rates: In deregulated markets, you can choose your energy supplier. Services like Arbor help you compare rates and find the best deal without the hassle.
• Cut down on energy waste: Simple changes like sealing drafts, upgrading to LED bulbs, and using smart thermostats can lower your usage. Rebates and tax incentives often help offset the costs of these upgrades.
• Track your usage: Many utilities offer tools to monitor your real-time energy consumption. These insights can help you identify energy-hungry appliances and adjust your habits.
• Time your usage: If your utility offers time-of-use rates, shift activities like laundry or EV charging to off-peak hours to save.

Decoding your power bill is the first step toward saving money and taking control of your energy use in 2025. By understanding what you’re paying for you can take steps to plan for and even lower monthly costs.