Small Changes, Big Impact: MVEA Resources to Save Energy & Money

By Ruth Marks, MVEA CEO | January 2026 CEO Article

Last month, we shared that Mountain View Electric Association is implementing new rates beginning with January electric use on bills due in February 2026. The rate changes stem from an increase in our wholesale power cost, along with rate pressures tied to soaring inflation, tariffs, and interest rates. Utilities across the country are navigating similar challenges as the cost of providing safe and reliable power continues to rise.

We recognize that any rate increase can be challenging — especially when it is caused by factors outside of our personal control. That’s why this month, I want to shift our focus to something we can control: how to make meaningful adjustments to reduce energy use and help manage monthly electric bills. As an MVEA member myself, I have found that even small changes in daily routines or home energy efficiency upgrades can make a noticeable difference.

A great place to start is with your home’s heating system, which typically uses more energy than any other appliance. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that turning your thermostat down 7°F – 10°F for eight hours a day can save up to 10% annually on heating costs. Replacing dirty air filters and sealing gaps around doors and windows can further improve your home’s energy savings. Insulation is another powerful tool that is often overlooked — adding or upgrading insulation reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, easing the workload on your HVAC system year-round.

For those interested in long-term savings, smart home technologies offer simple and affordable ways to optimize energy use. Smart thermostats, lighting, and plugs can automate energy-saving habits, help manage phantom loads, and provide greater visibility into how and when your home uses electricity. Many smart devices pay for themselves in a short period of time, and MVEA offers a rebate to help reduce the cost of purchasing a qualifying smart thermostat.

We also encourage members to explore our On-Bill Repayment Program and energy efficiency rebates, which support upgrades such as insulation, windows, and heat pumps. These programs are designed to make meaningful home improvements more accessible, helping members lower energy use today while improving efficiency for years to come.

Online account management through SmartHub® is another great tool to help you monitor your electric use. With daily and hourly energy reads available, you can track high energy use trends so you can identify causes and avoid them in the future.

While we have many resources to help co-op members save energy and money, if you have specific questions about your energy use, the best resource is MVEA’s team of Member Services Representatives. Please don’t hesitate to call (800) 388-9881. To explore more ways to save energy and money, visit www.mvea.coop/energy-resource-center. We are here to help.