When trying to cut back on spending in order to bulk up the savings (and who isn’t these days?), some people might forget a daily cappuccino, maybe bring their lunch instead of buying, or stop getting haircuts at a salon and opt for something a little cheaper. However, while people first think of this little daily pleasures, they pass over some expenses that seem too necessary to question.

When watching your budget, the best thing you can do is compare electric providers. By searching for the cheapest electricity provider, you can switch electric companies and save hundreds of dollars over the course of a few years. When you compare electric providers, you can also use it as an opportunity to look for the cheapest gas. In the U.S., nearly 9 million residential buildings rely on gas energy for heat.

Occasionally, when you compare electric providers, you can save even more money by bundling your energy package and include gas as well.

Once you have these affairs in order, look at other energy-eaters around you; are you using the most energy efficient appliances? Are your lightbulbs long-lasting? Where else are you using a great deal of energy, such as with the dishwasher, the laundry machines, or other large appliances?

Other than saving money, there is another amazing benefit of switching to the cheapest gas and electricity provider and limiting your energy consumption; you are helping the environment. The EIA estimates that there are about 126,000,000 homes and 17,500,000 commercial buildings consuming energy in the United States. With the average monthly energy bill to be around $100 per month, imagine all the money and energy Americans could save when they compare utility suppliers and reduce consumption.

So, to review, compare electricity providers (or compare electricity and gas providers if you are looking to save more), and look out for changes in commercial energy prices. When take the time to compare electric providers, you will end up saving.

And if you are wondering—can you switch electricity providers?—just take a look at your contract.