Household Utilities

Choosing the right business phone plan depends on whether you need a VoIP system, a mobile plan for field teams, or both. This guide compares 13 providers by price, features, and use case, so you can match the right plan to your business size and structure. Let's get more information...

If you want the best cheap cell phone and don't mind paying for a full year of service, Mint Mobile has the most attractive plans — and reliable service on T-Mobile's network to boot. But if you'd prefer unlimited data and the flexibility of monthly payments, check out Visible's Visible Plus plan. Turn to one of the best cheap phone plans that we've discovered, and you won't have to worry about rising costs affecting your phone bill. These plans all cost less than $40 a month, with more than enough data to go around — and in some places, those low rates are locked in for the foreseeable future.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly common, thanks to new long-range offerings from major automakers, lower costs, and volatile gas prices. Despite a rocky period for EVs in the U.S., the worldwide trend toward electrification continues. But is an EV right for you? The experts who have purchased and tested nearly every electric vehicle on the market for Consumer Reports are here to help you decide.

If you’re thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), you’ll probably also want to get a home charger installed. That way, you’ll be able to conveniently recharge the battery while your car is parked at home. Many of the technicians and reviewers at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center have gone through the process of installing and using an EV charger at their homes, and we’ve installed dozens of chargers at our test track. Our experience can help guide you through the process and address any questions you might have.

Homeowners who install solar power systems can receive many benefits: reduced electric bills, lower carbon footprints, and potentially higher home values. However, these benefits can come with significant installation and maintenance costs and gains can vary from one house to another.

Whether it’s wars, wildfires, inclement weather or growing energy demand, electricity prices are rising and have been for some time. With the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, Americans are witnessing yet another inflection point that could further spike their electric bills. That uncertainty adds another notch of anxiety for homeowners. Homeownership was once viewed as financially more predictable than renting and absorbing annual rent increases. But regularly rising property taxes, homeowners insurance and HOA fees have changed that in recent years — and those don’t account for the higher mortgage rates and home values creating greater costs simply to purchase a home in the first place. Now you can add utilities to the list of expenses impacting home affordability and giving potential homebuyers pause.

If you live in a deregulated energy market, you can choose your energy plan from several electric companies. While deregulation provides more flexibility, it can also be overwhelming to sort through all your options if you’ve never done it before. It may be tempting to choose the first plan you find or the cheapest option, but there are other factors to consider. It’s worth taking your time to select a power plan that works best for you. This guide can help you make an informed decision about which electricity plan is right for you.

Utility bills aren’t the most glamorous expenses, but they can add up to hundreds of dollars per month. However, there are ways to save money on utilities and options for assistance if you can't pay. This guide will help you find our more effective tips and way to reduce your bills.

Utility costs, especially the electric bill, tend to make up a significant part of household budgets. In fact, the average monthly electric bill for U.S. residential customers was $144 in 2024 (which is over $1,700 a year), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. As for moves you can make on your own, keep reading for data and details on how to keep your electric bill down.