How can I determine why my electric bill is so high?

Question

My electric usage on my bill is more than double from what it was last year. I have not run my AC at all this last month. I don't have any extra things from last year, in fact, I replaced my electric oven with a new model.

The kwh per day has doubled.

Answer 1

Ask your power company to come out and check your meter and your load demand. If that checks OK , have an electrician check your panel and all circuits . There are numerous things that can cause power draw without your knowledge , have also seen undesirable neighbors tap into other houses and steal power from their "friends".

Answer 2

When I made the effort to cut my electric bill, I went around and unplugged every appliance. Most draw a little electricity all the time. TVs and radios, for instance are "instant on" and also drawing electricity 24/7. Your freezer should be kept full, even if it is just frozen water jugs. Do clean the coils also! Limit going in and out during hot (or cold) weather. Stop your dishwasher before the heat cycle is complete. The dishes will get just as dry and the moisture in the air is good for your complexion!
You'll still have to grit your teeth and pay the higher bills. Like death and taxes...it's inevitable

Answer 3

Double check your electric meter to ensure your bill is correct. If you feel the meter is not working properly you can contact the electric company to have it checked and calibrated. Have the electric rates changed lately? Otherwise monitor your electric usage and try to conserve.

Answer 4

Are you saying you are using more kilowatts?

Or, are you saying you have a higher bill in terms of just dollars?

The price per kilowatt has gone up quite a bit across the country this year.

Have you compared your price per kilowatt now with what it was a year or so ago? That could be part of the problem if you are talking about dollars and have not looked at the kilowatt consumption or the price per kilowatt.

Answer 5

Clean the coils on your refrigerator,make sure your dryer exterior vent isn't clogged, use a toaster oven when ever possible, always cover pots with lids while cooking and make sure one of the elements on your water heater hasn't gone out. You may also want to call your power co. and ask if they have had an "across the board" increase.

Answer 6

Tell me about it!!
I have 5 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, a dining room, kitchen, 2 baths, garage, laundry room, utility room and a pool w/ the pump running all summer.
Last year our bill was half what it was this year - and this year (because of flooding) 2 bedrooms, utility room and one living room wasn't in use at all - and we were using less air conditioning.. but some how our bill was higher???

I called and they told me because the rates went up and that it was so humid our A/C units were working too hard. WTF is that??

No - they nickel and dime you for everything.

I just paid $455 - it's sick

Answer 7

Most electric companies raised rates significantly in June & July due to the cost of oil - our went up almost 40% - call you electric company to find out what your rate hike was.

Answer 8

Maybe the company your with raised prices, you could be doing things that involve electricity more frequently then you usually do, or make sure you don't leave on lights when not in use.

Answer 9

Another thing that could be the culprit could be a leaky faucet. Seriously. If you have a leak on the hot water side, your hot water heater could be running a ton more, thus using more electricity.

Answer 10

Call your electric co. They usually have good ideas and maybe service to come take a look at your living space.