My electric bill--Wow!

[vhoffman]

Just got this month's electric bill--what a jaw dropper!

$20.11 that's right $20.11

I even called their automated line for the current bill, that's what they said, then called and got a CS rep, that's what she said. Now come on! I've been super conservative with the electric, done everything I can think of to lower the bill, but that must be some sort of mistake! Last month's bill was $86, and I thought that was good. Our bill over Dec was $165, that's when I started tightening up around here. But I coudn't have brought it down that low--or could I

Well, no ac last month. All our lights are the energy-saving type, everyone here is now aware of turning off lights when not in use, even for a few minutes. We unplug everything at night or when not in use, even can openers, etc. Unplug rechargers when they're not in use, power down computers when not in use, use natural light as much as possible, unplug tvs and microwaves when not in use, well.....did I do that good? Yea me!!!

But, you know, I really think its a mistake and they will catch it on next month's bill. Well, its too late for this month, I already paid it online. We're good to go another month.

 

[lillygator]

how big is your home? OMG.....mine's 350-400...that sounds more like my water bill!

 

[bedgraynexl]

you might double check your bill against your meter. Maybe they just sent an estimated bill, or estimated a previous month. Did you have bad last month? I had a bill for like bucks earlier in the winter. It was estimated on last year (house was vacant). They caught em up the next month. Here is hoping you truly had that low of a bill!

 

[vhoffman]

Our house is ~ 3300 sq ft. We've never had a bill that low!

I can't tell from the bill if it was estimated or not, its an online bill, guess I'll have to wait for the actual paper statement or call to find out if its an estimate.

But I really think its a mistake, our water bill is higher than that. Well, I paid it, our account shows paid, so if they catch up with us next month, so be it, there's nothing else I can do, can't run after them with more money

Just put some aside for a big bill next month and consider this a breather!

 

[powellrj]

this happened one time with our gas bill. They had credited someones account to ours so it looked like we had paid our bill twice. I knew it was wrong, but they wouldn't do anything until the next month.

 

[DaisyD]

Wow! Ours was almost $700 this month! My mom, who lives in a small apartment was like $75.

 

[snomofinn]

How Much????? I would definetly question that one, you'll probably get a shock on next months bill!

 

[minnie1928]

Wow! Ours was almost $700 this month! My mom, who lives in a small apartment was like $75.

$700!!! Is that normal? I'd have a fit over that! I have a 4000 sqft house and we've been running less than $100/month for the past 6 months! My mom, who also has an apartment runs about $30. I'm guessing that you have much higher rates. We have gas heat, so that may be some of the difference.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I guess peeing in the dark really works.

 

[vhoffman]

:

I guess peeing in the dark really works.

Hey, whatever works!

 

[minnie1928]

:



Hey, whatever works!

Yes, but are you spending more on cleaning products because the boys in the family can't aim in the dark?

 

[vhoffman]

Yes, but are you spending more on cleaning products because the boys in the family can't aim in the dark?

Practice makes perfect1

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

WOWSERS!!!!!! My house is over 2000 s.f. and ours is never that low!!! Usually around $80.

 

[DaisyD]

$700!!! Is that normal? I'd have a fit over that! I have a 4000 sqft house and we've been running less than $100/month for the past 6 months! My mom, who also has an apartment runs about $30. I'm guessing that you have much higher rates. We have gas heat, so that may be some of the difference.

Yes that is normal for us now that MD has let BGE almost double our rates. It used to be around $350 or so a month last year during this time. Our house is only 3600sf. We use electric for everything including heating our house. Doe your bill include heat too? If so then that is amazing!

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Wow... I have a cow if ours approaches $100!

Our house is approx 2400 SF, and I rarely use the gas heater (maybe 4 nights this winter) and use the AC even less (2 or 3 hours on 2 or 3 days in August, usually.) I use low wattage flourescent or compact flourescent bulbs in all the lights, I have a high efficiency washer, a gas dryer, gas stove, gas BBQ, and gas fireplaces. The bill normally runs about $65 to $70 a month. In January I accidentally left the gas BBQ on for 24 hours and it added about $12 to the final bill. Thank goodness I decided to grill outside again the next night otherwise I never would have discovered I left it on...

 

[tinan]

I would definitely watch that! It sounds like you have been doing well with cutting back, but I honestly have a feeling that's a mistake. My MIL got hit with something like this, but it was with the gas company one year. We live in OH and she was so excited because one month she got her gas bill in the middle of winter mind you, and it was next to nothing. The next month she got her bill again next to nothing, I think that was in Feb. Then the following month they said that she overpaid and she had a CREDIT in March. I kept telling her there is no way as she kept her heat cranked, has a less efficient furnace and old leaky windows. She kept calling as I insisted and was told that "Nope! That is the correct amount and that's that". Well fast forward a year, they found out that her meter was broken, replaced the meter and she now had a $1400 gas bill due. She had to pay all of the gas she used back even though it was their faulty equipment. At first they wanted it as a lump sum payment, but in the end worked out a payment arrangement with her. The old bill is paid off now, but it was hard for her to pay back that $1400 since she blew the money she should have been paying the bill with.

 

[kd5k]

I was just going to post the same thing!! We got a bill one time for $36.00 and I nearly fell over!! We were used to about $80-$100 during the winter and about $200ish in the summer. I called when I got the bill and the lady swore the bill was correct. I asked her in a nice way to look at all my previous bills and she would see there was on way it was on $36.00. sure enough....a broken meter!! Thank goodness I pushed for them to check into it!! I wouldn't want to go for two or three months an then pounded!!
Have them check your meter just to be safe!!

 

[Green Tea]

I wonder if they ust charged the monthly fees and didn't include any kilowatt hours? Maybe they didn't read the meter this month and next month you'll have the same set fees plus 2 months of usage.

 

[minnie1928]

Yes that is normal for us now that MD has let BGE almost double our rates. It used to be around $350 or so a month last year during this time. Our house is only 3600sf. We use electric for everything including heating our house. Doe your bill include heat too? If so then that is amazing!

I should've looked at your address...once you said that you lived in MD I completely understood why you were sooo high. I live in South Central PA, DH works in MD and my boss lives in MD so I've heard all about the BG&E mess. That's just INSANE! From what I understand, PA will be in the same boat in a few years.

My house uses gas for heating, and the water heater. That's gotta be another big factor for the difference.

 

[KelNottAt]

Yes that is normal for us now that MD has let BGE almost double our rates. It used to be around $350 or so a month last year during this time. Our house is only 3600sf. We use electric for everything including heating our house. Doe your bill include heat too? If so then that is amazing!

Daisy, I have BGE too and find that their budget billing plan is very helpful. We're all electric, too, 5000+ sq ft home, and we pay only...(well, i just checked the bill and don't know what we pay...rate stabilization BS, and all). Anyway, back before the rate increase and stabilization mess, we paid $180 (+/-) every month year round. It really helps avoid $700 spikes and keep the budget predictable. You might consider it.