Electricity costs vary across U.S., with some states paying more than others

Americans are increasingly burdened by rising electric bills, as highlighted in a recent MarketWatch study. The average monthly bill stands at approximately $137, though this figure can fluctuate significantly.

Michael Allen, a novelist from Titusville, Florida, expresses his frustration with high utility costs. "I typically pay nearly $200 a month for 1,200 square feet," he shares with Realtor.com. Allen recently switched to an "average billing" plan to stabilize his payments but still finds them excessive.

Ron Myers, president of Ron Buys Florida Homes, emphasizes the impact of utility costs on real estate transactions. "Utility bills are like the secret sauce no one talks about—they can make or break the deal," he states. Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers due to potential savings.

States such as Utah and New Mexico report lower average electric bills of $85 and $91 respectively, while Hawaii and Connecticut see higher averages at $213 and $203. Richard Robbins from Murfreesboro, Tennessee experienced an unusually high bill due to an inefficient freezer left plugged in outside. This prompted him to get an energy audit.

Mark Woodruff from Trane Technologies suggests several ways to reduce electricity costs: maintaining HVAC systems, changing air filters regularly, sealing gaps around windows and doors, consulting insulation professionals, unplugging inactive appliances, and installing smart thermostats.

Solar panels offer another solution for reducing electricity expenses. Ben Airth from Freedom Forever notes that they provide a predictable monthly cost which can help families manage their budgets better. However, installation costs range between $13,620 and $26,686 with a break-even period of six to twelve years.

Cara Ameer of Coldwell Banker highlights that owned solar panels can boost home resale values significantly. For those unwilling to invest upfront in solar panels, community solar programs present an alternative option for savings without installation costs.

Bruce Stewart of Perch Energy explains that community solar allows both renters and homeowners to subscribe to local solar farms for discounts on their electricity bills without any participation fees.