Delaware homeowners are feeling the pinch of soaring energy bills, with the state’s electricity costs ranking among the highest in the country.

After a winter of steep price hikes sparked heated debates over the causes, residents are seeking solutions to curb their expenses. Google Trends data reveals a 366% surge in nationwide searches for “how to lower electric bills” — a clear sign energy-saving strategies are top of mind.

Energy experts at Delmarva Power and the U.S. Department of Energy have shared practical, effective tips to help Delawareans cut costs and keep their homes comfortable, even as temperatures rise.

8 energy-saving tips to lower your home’s electric bills

If you’re looking to save money on your electric bills, here are some key strategies from energy experts to help you manage rising costs:

1. Run appliances at night: Using heat-generating appliances, such as dishwashers, dryers, and ovens, during the hottest part of the day makes your AC work harder. Instead, run these appliances at night or during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.

2. Add houseplants for natural cooling: Indoor plants do more than brighten up a space — they also help reduce humidity. By absorbing excess moisture, houseplants can naturally lower the temperature, decreasing the need for AC use.

3. Install blackout curtains: Blocking out sunlight with blackout curtains is a simple yet effective way to keep indoor temperatures down. Keeping them closed during the day prevents heat from entering your home, reducing your cooling needs.

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4. Use a dehumidifier: Humid air makes it harder for your body to cool down, forcing your AC to work overtime. Running a dehumidifier can reduce humidity levels and lower your home’s temperature, making it feel cooler with less energy usage.

5. Seal drafts and insulate properly: Small gaps around windows and doors allow hot air to seep in. Use weather stripping and caulk to seal leaks, and make sure your attic is well-insulated and ventilated. This helps keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

6. Monitor energy use with a power meter: A power-consumption meter can reveal which appliances are draining the most energy. By identifying and unplugging energy hogs, you can reduce waste and trim your electric bill.

7. Lower water heater temperature: Water heaters account for a significant portion of household energy costs. Lowering the temperature from 140°F to 130°F can save money without sacrificing comfort.

8. Upgrade to smart lighting: Automated or motion-sensor lighting can reduce unnecessary energy use. Smart lighting systems adjust brightness based on natural light levels and turn off when rooms are unoccupied, leading to long-term savings.

How to get a free home energy checkup

In a move to support energy conservation, Energize Delaware has expanded its Home Energy Checkup and Counseling program to all Delaware residents, removing previous income restrictions.

The program provides:

• Free one-hour home energy assessments
• Installation of energy-saving products
• Expert guidance on reducing energy consumption

In addition to the consultation, residents can receive assistance with installing LED lighting, efficient showerheads, door sweeps, furnace filters, smart power strips and other energy-saving devices.

For more information or to schedule a free Home Energy Checkup, visit Energize Delaware’s website.

You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.

In Delaware, you don’t need to travel far to find a place with a name that raises an eyebrow or piques curiosity.

While some states boast straightforward town or city names like Springfield or Washington, Delaware’s map reads more like an eclectic short story collection. According to WorldAtlas.com, these seven uniquely named communities in Delaware, spread across the state’s three counties, often catch visitors by surprise and spark curiosity about their origins.

From Slaughter Beach to Pot-Nets, Delaware’s quirky town names tell tales of the First State’s rich history, each one a window into the region’s colonial past, maritime heritage and rural traditions.

Slaughter Beach, a coastal sanctuary

Perhaps the most striking example of an unusual name on the map is Slaughter Beach, a tiny coastal community of about 220 residents, along the Delaware Bay. Founded in 1681, the town’s name origins remain unclear; however, there are several theories on the town’s website.

The most straightforward theory speculates the name is connected to “Slaughter Neck,” an area located just southwest of the town. In colonial Delaware, “neck” commonly referred to elevated terrain between two boundaries. Another explanation points to a former postmaster named Slaughter. A more dramatic account suggests that the name refers to the springtime spawning of horseshoe crabs. When these crabs are stranded upside down and dying in the sun, they are said to resemble a ”slaughter” of crabs. A darker local legend tells of settlers ambushing Native American leaders during peace talks by asking them to gather around a cannon they claimed was their “god.”

Today, the town offers a peaceful retreat along the Delaware Bay. Known for its environmental conservation efforts, it serves as a sanctuary for horseshoe crabs.

Broadkill Beach’s Dutch roots and natural beauty

Just north of Slaughter Beach lies Broadkill Beach, whose name nods to its Dutch origins. Nestled along the Delaware Bay, the town offers picturesque waterfront views and easy access to the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a popular spot for birdwatching and kayaking. The town comes alive during its Fourth of July festivities, drawing locals and visitors alike with fireworks and family-friendly events.

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Corner Ketch is still a mystery

Tucked near the Pennsylvania-Delaware border, how Corner Ketch got its name is still a mystery. According to World Atlas, some believe the name comes from the French word cache, meaning “hiding place,” while others trace it to an old English term for a tavern. An unincorporated area of New Castle County, Corner Ketch offers few commercial attractions providing visitors a glimpse into the county’s quieter side.

Gumboro, formerly known for gum trees

Located near the Maryland border, Gumboro stays true to its agricultural roots. The town’s name may stem from the white gum trees once common in the area. History buffs can explore the West Woods Methodist Episcopal Church, which dates back to the 1800s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Gumboro Community Center, housed in a former school, serves as a hub for local events and gatherings.

Bacons: A slice of railroad history

Bacons, a small outpost in Sussex County, earned its name not from breakfast meat but from its founding family. The town, also known as Bacons Switch, honors the Bacon family, early settlers who built a sawmill and basket-making business. Its railroad heritage lives on through its name, referencing the “switch point” where trains once connected nearby towns Laurel and Delmar.

Wyoming: East not west

Despite its Western-sounding name, Wyoming is firmly rooted in the Mid-Atlantic. In 1856, “Camden Station” or “West Camden” was renamed Wyoming to honor the Rev. John J. Pierce, a pastor who helped plan and later led a church in the town. Pierce was originally from the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania.

Wyoming later grew into an agricultural center, notably for cultivating apples and peaches. Today, the town hosts an annual Peach Festival, held downtown on the aptly named Railroad Avenue.

Shhhhh! Keep it down: WorldAtlas names the 8 quietest towns in Delaware

Pot-Nets: A nod to coastal traditions

Rounding out Delaware’s collection of distinctive place names is Pot-Nets. The unusual moniker comes from the pots and nets used to catch crabs and other shellfish in Indian River Bay. Today, the area is a waterfront community offering scenic views of the bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Visitors can enjoy boating, crabbing, and scenic strolls along Pot-Nets Point, a popular local spot also known as Lingos Point.

You can contact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.

A native Delawarean will try to climb Sunday night’s $100,000 Pyramid.

Henna Pryor is a 43-year-old woman born and raised in Newark who will be a contestant on “The $100,000 Pyramid” game show on ABC. She will be paired with comedian and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Bobby Moynihan and “Family Matters” star Jaleel White.

Pryor’s day job is as a keynote speaker, and she has done numerous TEDx Talks in her career about communication and workplace performance. She also is the author of “Good Awkward,” a book about embracing cringe-worthy moments in your life and using them to your advantage. She said the skills in her book and speeches played into her hands while on a nationally televised game show. Instead of being nervous in front of a camera, she felt prepared by her career to take the stage.

“I think I had an advantage as a player that bright lights, big stages are something I’m used to,” she said.

The Newark High School graduate received an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles for the January filming. She said she had many practice sessions before taking the stage, which were more fun than procedural for her. She had watched the show when she was younger and made a connection at a convention. From there, she applied on social media and started interviewing and practicing.

She said because of the tight community found in a small state like Delaware, she has never been starstruck.

“I do think some of that small state stuff gives you a little perspective; it’s just like meeting people from all walks,” she said.

The only thing she wanted to avoid was fumbling her moment on television, but she said she was prepared for the entire experience.

“If you give a keynote speech, even if there’s 800 people in the audience, the only people who really see that are the people that were in the audience,” she said. “No matter how this goes, it’s going to be on national TV, like it’s there’s no way around that.”

See how Pryor did at 10 p.m. Sunday on ABC.