Our rates under SCE and LADWP were much lower than what we pay now under SDG&E. If you moved to a different utility area that might be part of the issue. I was surprised to discover a winter surcharge in our new area. I don't think SCE had that. I kind of like it because it doesn't make our summer bills seem as high even though we run the AC almost daily.
Our rates under SCE and LADWP were much lower than what we pay now under SDG&E. If you moved to a different utility area that might be part of the issue. I was surprised to discover a winter surcharge in our new area. I don't think SCE had that. I kind of like it because it doesn't make our summer bills seem as high even though we run the AC almost daily.
yes. oops, I should let Jenny tell you that.
I can't tell if this is sarcasm. If it's not then this thread makes a whole lot more sense now.
I'm obviously missing backstory because I'm not understand the ire. The OP is extremely frugal and has every intention of living on a strict budget. A budget doesn't mean you're broke. It doesn't mean you don't have money in the bank, and it doesn't mean you're on paycheck away from foreclosure. It means you are telling your money where to go rather than it telling you. She is choosing to spend a certain amount on electricity and isn't getting the results she wants. OP, maybe you should change your verbage from being "cheap" to being "green" and "environmentally conscious". When you do that, everyone supports you.
To answer your question, I'd change the lights to motion sensor.
BTW, I have a feeling you will someday have a hell of a retirement with much more money than the average person.
Yes, I am sure she'll be much better than ALL OF US for retirement. But then again, she might die early from the stress of trying to pay for the extra 30 bucks that power is costing her. Who knows...
But that $35 per month adds up |-) I mean $420 a year, it's like....it's like our entire power bill...for July
So Cal Resident, Family of 4 here. November thru July it's about $60/month. Summer months, it's about $200/month. But we dont live by the beach so it would be SIGNIFICANTLY lower if we didnt have to run our AC all the damn time.
As far as the direction of this thread....holy shit.
Granted, I'm NorCal, but my bill for electricity was around $140 this month...and we keep lights off, conserve, etc. If $35 is really an issue, I would be re-evaluating my finances big time.
I'm sorry your electric bill went up. I know that even an extra 35 dollars a month or so can make a dent in your monthly budget. I will echo everyone elses suggestions to turn off the outside lights during the day. Also, there are other common sense things you can do, like turn off the lights when you leave the room. Unplug things, even when they are in the off position they use up some energy (maybe that isn't as well known.) Make sure your home is well insulated, especially in the winter and summer, etc, etc.
FWIW, my energy bill for August was almost 200 dollars. I am in the midwest and we had a brutal summer. It was over 100 degrees for weeks. Horrible. H and I are working on getting on the budget plan so that we can plan for our bill better each month.