8 ways to reduce your hydro bill

Electricity prices in Ontario rose over the weekend,pushingthe average household hydro bill up by 3.4 per cent.

Here's a look at the new rates:

• The price for off-peak hours rose 0.3 cents to 8.3 cents/kWh.
• The price for mid-peak hours rose0.6 cents to 12.8 cents/kWh.
• The price for on-peak hours rose1.4 cents to 17.5 cents/kWh.

The Ontario Energy Boardsaid there are several factors behind the price hike, including increased costs related to Ontario Power Generation's nuclear and hydro-electric power plants, as well as costs from renewable sources likewind and solar.

• Ontario sees hydro rates jump again

There are some things you can do to keep your bill down, though.Toronto Hydro's Tori Gass hasthese tips to keep yourbill as low as possible.

1. Reducephantom power

Keeping electronics liketelevisions, computers and phones plugged in all day drawselectricity even if the devices aren'tin use. This is called phantom power.

To reduce this, plug all of your electronic devices in a power bar, and turn the entire power baroff once you leave the house.

2. Use LED bulbs

According to HydroOne, switching to LED bulbs can cut your electricity useby up to75 per cent.LEDs last much longer and stay cool.

3. Use a programmable thermostat

Setting your programmable thermostat at 18 degrees while you are sleeping and when you leave the house can reduce your heating costs up to 10 percent.

"For every degree lower that you set your thermostat at you can save 3 per cent on heating costs," said Gass.

4. Dishwashers

Running your dishwasher during off-peak hours can save you about half the cost of electricityas running it during peak hours.Use the air-dry setting or leave the door open to naturally dry the dishes.

5. Laundry

About 25per cent of all household hot water is used for washing clothes.If youuse cold water for washing and rinsing you could save enough energy for about 220 showers.

Wait to do a full load of laundry, and do it only during off-peak hours or weekends.

If you are buying a new washer, go for an Energy Star model. They are 20 per centmore efficient.

6. Clothes lines

Forego the cost of drying your clothes and air dry. In the summer, put your clothes on an outdoor clothes line. Or you can air dry your clothes inside using a drying rack.

7. Microwave or toaster ovens vs. electric stove

If you need to reheat or cook something on the fly, microwaves and toaster ovens use 50 per cent less electricity than an electric stove.

8. Window and door treatments

Window and door air leakages account for25 per cent of heating costs. Purchasing plastic window covers and weather stripping your doors can seal in more heatand lower your bills.