Small appliances use less energy if you remember to turn them off when you're through. Pull the plug on your coffee pot, iron, electric skillet and curling iron. A memory lapse will waste energy and might ruin the appliance. Cut down instead on the big appliances. They're the ones that add up.
Lighting Here are some ideas on keeping lighting costs down.
Choose lamp shades that don't obstruct light. Light-colored shades are usually best. Dimmer switches can multiply bulb life up to 12 times while they reduce electricity use and light level. Turn lights off when you're leaving a room and ask your family to do the same. Install an automatic timer to turn the ights on and off when you're away from teh house.