Reducing a $1000 electricity bill

Hi friends,

I was chatting with a good friend yesterday and they told me that their electricity bill was $600-1000 consistently every month. I was shocked. Their situation is a bit unique compared to the average, which I’ll explain. But I’m looking for tips to help them reduce energy consumption and cost.

Their situation: 1. Inter generational family with grandparents, parents, and three kids. Also have lots of friends visiting. 2. Lots of windows facing north. (Not sure if this matters) 3. No gas line to the house. Electric water heater, heater, stove, and clothes dryer. 4. No electric vehicles.

Ideas we thought of: 1. Adding insulation and double pane windows. She said she had already done both. 2. Installing a gas line. She quoted $1000-1500 to have it installed. I think this may be a good long term investment. 3. Solar panels. Obvious. 4. Doing a general energy audit. Can anybody recommend a service provider? I was thinking Fox or another home inspection company. 5. Changing energy companies to reduce cost. 6. Reducing thermostat. Said it’s at 74 nearly all the time. Wouldn’t increase. 7. There are kids constantly coming and going in and outside. I suggested self-closing door hinges, but what’s the safest way to stop the AC leakage?

Thanks so much!

PG