This task involves exploring opportunities for better prices and service for your energy needs:

- Electricity

- Natural gas

- Heating oil

- Propane

To get started, make a list of potential suppliers of energy that you use in your home. To develop this list, look in your local yellow pages, contact your town or city, talk to neighbors, check on the Internet, etc.

For both electricity and gas, find out if your rates are lower at different times of the day. If so, you can schedule to use your high energy-using appliances (dishwasher, shower, clothes dryer, etc) at times of the day that will cost you less.

If your state has begun deregulation of electricity or natural gas, you may be able to purchase your energy from a non-regulated third-party supplier with lower prices. Check with your state energy commission to determine if your state has begun deregulation and if this is an option.

When you consider different suppliers, your evaluation of suppliers should consider price, reliability and service.