Be Energy Wise: Smart Devices That Save You Money at Home

Saving energy at home isn’t just about being eco-friendly — it’s about being smart with your wallet, too. Simple devices like motion sensors, smart plugs, and programmable timers can help you cut waste, reduce your bill, and keep your home running efficiently without much effort.

Why Energy Wise Matters Now

Colorado Springs Utilities is launching its Energy Wise rate to encourage smarter energy use. Under this plan:

• On-peak hours (when electricity costs more): Weekdays, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

  • Off-peak hours (lower cost): Weekdays before 5 p.m. and after 9 p.m., plus weekends and holidays.

• The new rate begins October 1, 2025, alongside an increase to electric base rates.

Learn more at Colorado Springs Utilities

This makes it the perfect time to explore tools that can help you automatically shift or lower your energy use.

Motion Sensor Switches

Motion sensor light switches are one of the simplest upgrades to make your home more energy wise. These switches automatically turn lights on when you enter a room and off when you leave. They’re perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways, bathrooms, or basements where lights are often left running. This small change can save both electricity and money without requiring any lifestyle adjustment.

Programmable Timers

Timers help you manage when appliances and lights run, reducing wasted energy. Imagine having your porch lights turn off automatically at sunrise, or your holiday lights shut off at bedtime. A programmable timer keeps your home running efficiently, even when you’re not thinking about it.

Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat learns your schedule and adjusts heating and cooling to fit your routine. These devices can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 10–15% each year. Plus, you can control them remotely from your phone, which means no more running the AC in an empty house.

Load Management Devices

As Colorado Springs Utilities introduces new rate structures, load management devices are becoming increasingly important. These devices help balance energy use by controlling when large appliances like water heaters, HVAC systems, or EV chargers run. By shifting use to off-peak hours, you can avoid higher rates and reduce strain on the grid — all while keeping your household running smoothly.

LED Lighting

Switching to LED bulbs is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to save energy. LEDs use up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer. Whether it’s for lamps, recessed lighting, or outdoor fixtures, LEDs lower costs and reduce the hassle of frequent replacements.

The Bigger Picture

With rate changes on the horizon, taking small steps now to be more energy wise puts you ahead of the curve. Motion sensors, timers, thermostats, load management devices, and LED lighting all work together to reduce waste, cut bills, and make your home more efficient.

Want to learn what would work best for your house? Gaddie Electric offers a free consultation on energy-saving devices. Our licensed electricians can assess your home, recommend upgrades, and handle installation so you can enjoy peace of mind — and a lighter bill. Fill out this form for more information, or to set up an appointment.