Even with oil and other commodity prices dropping because of the recession, average residential electricity prices are expected to rise 4.7% this year compared to last year, and another 3.3% next year, according to the Energy Information Administration's Short-Term Energy Outlook. Here's how to prevent your electricity bills from escalating even as prices climb.

Arrange an HVAC inspection. Hire a certified technician to check that your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is operating at peak efficiency. An inspection will usually set you back $50 to $100, but that could be offset by the energy savings you'll reap over time.

Keep it clean. Whether you have central air or an individual window or wall unit, be sure to clean the air filters every month. Dirt and dust hinder air flow, reducing efficiency.
Program your thermostat. Programming your thermostat to give your air conditioner a break for the eight hours you're at work could save you about $180 a year, according to EnergyStar.gov1 guidelines.

Seal up your home. Pricey cooled air can leak through cracks along window and door frames. Invest in some caulk and weather-stripping to plug up these drafts as you notice them. Stopping those leaks and making sure your home is properly insulated could save you up to 20%, Kweller says. Insulation materials are also eligible for the 30% energy efficiency federal tax credit, up to $1,500 for all improvements combined.

Change your light bulbs. If you haven't swapped your incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents yet, get to it, Kweller says. Switching four 75-watt incandescent for 19-watt CFLs can save almost $30 a year.
Close your blinds. Rooms get hotter without shades or curtains to block the sunlight. You can put this idea to work more effectively by getting insulated window treatments.
Use fans. A breeze makes the room feel a few degrees cooler. Just be sure to turn it off when you leave.

Unplug. Gadgets like your cell phone chargers and microwaves suck energy, and generate heat as long as they're attached to a power source. Standby power for appliances not in use is typically 5% to 10% of residential electricity use, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Plug those devices into a power strip that can be turned off when not in use.