I live in southern california. It has been about 110 over here with humidity. My average bill is usually 127.38. Last month it shot to 279.60. Ok I said to myself, it has been hot and I have used the a/c some. Then I get this month's bill...855.65!!!!! This looks like a definite error right? I called So Cal Edison. They had me read my meter to them and said that the bill was correct and I had to pay. That is almost as much as my house payment! They have payment plans but it is every two weeks instead of billing cycles so that was no help. BTW, she also advised me that was with the CARE credit and that there will be an increase next month here in Cali. Does anyone have any advice on how to negotiate the bill down. I just don't see how it went from 127.38 to 855.65!!!! Please Help!
2006-07-25 03:46:48 · 9 answers · asked by YahooGirl 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
I'm in San Diego and we have SDGE. I have another alternative for you. Even if you dispute the bill, they will only come out and re-read the meter, as well as checking for malfunction. Last month, CA went on the higher charge per kilowat summer rates. Yeah, it is a total scam because come October, they will change the therm rate for natural gas, so they can gouge you again when you heat your home.
SDGE offers a level pay program that might help you negotiate with SoCal Ed. Level pay means you pay exactly the same amount every month regardless of what you actually use. I'm not on it, but a lot of my neighbors are and usually they get a "rebate" on overages in December.
Unfortunately, with the high heat and humidity we've been experiencing, even those of us who don't run the AC normally have been forced to do so. My bill also tripled but most of my neighbors are paying well over 1,000 a month because they have kids!
I had SDGE do an energy audit to see where and when I was using the most energy. Maybe SoCal Ed has the same thing. I was shocked to discover it costs 2 cents an hour to run a fan, whether ceiling, window or portable. But, it is 80 cents an hour for AC.
Good luck.
2006-07-25 06:42:33 · answer #1 · answered by eskie lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the utility is gouging you for their increased cost of electricity in a short supply market. You can reduce your cost by turning up the temp of your AC, or using it less often. Try hanging out at the mall, or a coffee shop, or the local library that has AC instead of your house. Turn the AC off when you're not at home. Also turn off every non-essential electrical item. If your house gets a lot of sun, you could look into investing in a solar panel system to help ease your dependance on the local utility .
2006-07-25 03:58:19 · answer #2 · answered by mcmustang1992 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you may need to have your house weatherized- maybe its not insulated very well. i live in Kansas- we've had weather 116 here and my electric bill is $155 or thereabouts every month. of course i have double paned windows and the best energy effecient a/c and furnace you can get. as far as help to pay the bill,contact your local churches for assistance, some of them may have a program where they help ppl. contact the church u go to first, then go from there.
2006-07-25 03:53:27 · answer #3 · answered by tigkitty3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are kidding about the humidity right?! I born and raised in Long Beach, CA and I don't remember any humidity! I mean if you want to talk humid come to the east coast and I'll show you humid! It's worse for me being I didn't grow up in it so I hate it so much! As for your bill I honestly don't think that sounds right and I totally think you should investgate more! Don't let them tell you it's right until you have checked everything yourself!
2006-07-25 05:19:18 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It was kind of hot here in Nebraska in June and my electric bill went from $40 to $90 but now in July its even been hotter so I hope it doesnt double again. Now of days neighbors manage to sell electricy someone how. I don't know how it works but I hear it has happen.
2006-07-25 03:58:32 · answer #5 · answered by NOVA50 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless there is something defective in the meter, I don't see how you can avoid paying the bill. Did your power use really triple in one month? If not, there might be a problem with the meter.
2006-07-25 03:55:58 · answer #6 · answered by marlio 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would definitely dispute this to the your local Public Utility Commission.
But if they insist you have to pay it, there are non-profit organizations such as Catholic Charities and the such, who do give temporary help in paying utilities, rent, and such.
And you live in California, the most liberal state in the Union. I'm sure that there are governmental social services there unavailable in the rest of the country. Go to them as well.
2006-07-25 03:52:17 · answer #7 · answered by imagineworldwide 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
even as human beings say it isn't potential, it is because they have reported that the circumstances of southern California aren't from now on the remotely a similar as eighty 5% of the states. it is purely somewhat stupid to apply as your party a dry southern state, the position the established residential call for for electricity is sunlight hours cooling, as an party of ways image voltaic works. clarify how that image voltaic gadget is going to warmth Midwest, Northeast or Pacific Northwest houses interior the midwinter evening?
2016-11-25 23:02:18 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would check your bill they have a meter reading each month so you can figure out how many kilo watt hours you are being billed for. look at the 2 previous months to verify accuracy
2006-07-25 03:53:51 · answer #9 · answered by johnman142 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋