Reducing My Utilities Bills

All about ways I am trying to reduce my utilities bills in particular my electric bill. I am looking to exchange ideas successes/failures to help others. I would like to save on electric, gas, telephone, gasoline and water...

I want the ideas mostly to be DIY although many larger ones may not be. So, even people with a very modest budget can help themselves financially (save money), help the country be more energy independent and help the environment in a cost effective manner.

I am occasionally venting at the politics on both sides of the spectrum and what they are doing to make it harder for many families to do things that save them money and help the environment.

Also I am trying to promote energy independence for the United States as good for the country, the enviroment and the people. But, I want it done in a way that does not punish hard working people and families. I want to start with my own home and my long term goal is to not pay any utilies bills for my home and produce enough extra to pay me to cover additional costs and CO2. To make that reasonably possible I am working to reduce my family's power use while maintaining a good standard of living. Showing that good family economics and and the enviroment can work together well.