Utility rates are usually regulated, so you may not be able to negotiate the price per unit the way you can with a cable company. Still, a call can uncover options you did not know about. Many utilities offer several rate plans, and the one you were placed on by default may not match how your household uses energy.

Ask whether your utility has time-of-use pricing, which can charge less during off-peak hours, and whether your habits would benefit from it. If your bills swing a lot between seasons, ask about budget billing, which spreads costs more evenly across the year. It may not lower your total, but it can make planning easier.

While you are on the line, ask about free or discounted energy assessments, rebates on efficient appliances, and assistance for households that are struggling to keep up. Representatives can often point you toward options you would never find on your own. Write down anything they suggest so you can follow up later.