How Mississippians can save on utility bills as cooler weather arrives

Written on 10/30/2026
Caleb Salers

Cooler temperatures are making their way to Mississippi. The fall season is in full effect in the Magnolia State, and the brutal summer heat has made its exit. Temperatures of late have typically sat between the mid-50s and low 80s, meaning quarter-zips are on in the morning and off in the afternoon.

But it won’t be long before the cold hits. The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its forecast for Thanksgiving 2026, predicting a mix of sunshine, rain, and snow across the country. In Mississippi, the turkey-eating holiday is likely to bring cool temperatures and sunny skies across the state, offering a taste of traditional fall weather.

With the milder temperatures comes an appetite to cut utility costs. For those looking to save money on monthly bills, there are a few ways to keep your home at a reasonable temperature without running the HVAC system all day.

“Be sure you’re using that sunlight, when it’s out there, to your advantage. Open your curtains and blinds on sunny days and let that ambient heat warm your home,” Ashley England, senior manager for demand management at Tennessee Valley Authority, said on The Handyman Show. “Remember to close them at night. That will hold the heat in that your HVAC is generating.”

Other actions folks can take include making sure vents are open and able to produce air or heat without disruption.

“Double-check that your heating vents are open and that they’re not blocked by furniture or rugs,” England said.

Mississippians looking to stay weather-aware can do so by keeping up with an updated statewide forecast here.