Money Saving Idea - Household

Sign up for your utility's time-of-use plan. Many regional power suppliers offer rebates for reducing electricity consumption during peak-demand periods.

Cost: Washing clothes and dishes at night during nonpeak hours, and turning the thermostat down (or up) a couple of degrees druing a cold snap (or heat wave).

Savings: $25 - $50 per month off your energy bills.

Bonus: You're easing the strain on the power grid - and lowering the odds of a blackout.