Saving money during difficult financial times can be done with a little planning.  One bill that can get expensive is your electricity bill. However, you can easily save money on electricity.  Here are ten ways to do so!

1. Change your Bulbs
If you use energy-efficient light bulbs, you can save a good amount of money on your electric bill.  Compact Fluorescent Lights are beneficial for the environment, and they will last a lot longer (a LOT) - compounding the rate at which you're saving! 

2. Turn off Electronics
Make sure your computers, video games, television and lights are turned off when you are not using them.  When you leave the room, switch the light off.  Leaving your lights on will only increase your electric bill.  Even if an appliance is not on, it still is using some electricity, so turn them off when you do not need them.

2. Adjust your Thermostat
If you set your air to 78 degrees, you will not be wasting electricity.  If you are hot, put on a tank top and shed some clothing.  When you are not at home, turn your thermostat off.  Just one degree can make a difference in the cost of your electric bill, so turn your thermostat up during the winter and down during the summer.  If you are cold, bundle up with blankets and put on heavy clothing.

3. Use Less Hot Water
When you do your laundry, use cold water, and turn off the heated dry cycle on your dishwasher.  Do not turn the dishwasher on until it is completely full of dishes.  Take quick showers, and make sure showers are slightly cooler than normal.  Wash your face and hands with cold water instead of hot water.

4. Insulation
If you install insulation in your home, you can keep hot or cold air from getting in or out of your home.  You can hang curtains that are insulated, put insulation around the water heater or use insulating paint.  You could also make sure that the attic is insulated (though don't worry about this as much if your attic isn't heated or cooled).

5. Off-Peak Hours
Some electric companies have hours that are cheaper than other parts of the day.  You should contact your electric provider to ask if they have off-peak hours.  If they do, you should run your dishwasher or do your laundry during these hours. In most cases, the cheaper hours are in the middle of the night or early in the morning.

6. Linedry
Before the invention of a clothes dryer, people hung their clothes on a line to dry.  A dryer takes a good amount of electricity, so if you do not use it, you can save money on your electric bill.

7. Maintenance
You should make sure that your filters are cleaned each month.  If they are full, it will drain the energy much quicker than if they are properly taken care of.

8. Compare Companies
You should shop around and compare the rates of different companies in anything you subscribe to.  You need to be careful because some companies will offer a great introductory rate. However, after the introductory period expires, the rate will increase.

9. Level Billing
If your electric bill puts you in a financial bind some months, you can call your electric company to see if they provide the option of level billing.  When this happens, the company will average your bills from the previous year, and you will pay the same amount each month.

10. Out with the Old
Your refrigerator is responsible for a good part of your electric bill, so replace older models with newer ones.  You should also make sure your stove and microwave are energy-efficient models. Like a car, they'll pay for themselves in a matter of months. 

Johnny Feldman likes to write, travel and save money at www.homeownersinsurance.org.