Electric Bill Madness

Did your electric bill hit the roof this month? Take a step back, breathe a little, and try to figure out whether it is “too high” in reality or not.

First, compare the consumption of your current bill with your previous bill. Have you really used that much more? If so, there’s your answer. If not, take a look at the unit rate. Has the cost per unit of electricity has gone up? Are there are other demand charges being forced on you by your utility company? Be aware: there usually are.

When trying to determine whether or not your electricity bill is outrageously high, don’t ever compare it with your friends or your neighbors. “Our bill is only… ” Yea, we all know that one guy who always likes to rub things in. Everybody’s bills are different — what you consider “too much” may be “just right” for somebody else.

Maybe your electric meter is busted. The odds are small, but it’s worth paying an electrician to have a look. If it’s not working, have him write a signed statement. A videotape is even better (despite being a bit creepy) because now you have the proof you need to get a refund from the electric company. You know how they get!

If your meter is not broken, turn off all breaker switches, physically unplug all your electrical appliances from their sockets, and shut off all lights, fans, and air conditioners. Now, turn the breakers on one at a time while making sure the meter does not spin. If it does, then you’ll know which breakers are causing the problem. At this time, celebrate with a victory dance.

Done these tests? Can’t find anything wrong? Then the only conclusion left is that you are using way too much electricity, and have no choice but to try to reduce your consumption. Or go crazy again next month.