Houston- what are you paying for electricity?
#1
Houston- what are you paying for electricity?
Ok, so I just got my electricity bill- and it is outrageously high, IMO, and I want to know if this is what I should expect living in Houston.
I just moved here a couple months ago, first bill was for $125 for 2 weeks!
Last months bill was $233, for 1944 kwh. One electric company's website said average usage was 1000 kwh.
It doesn't look like my rate is that high (I've been researching other company's rates, and mine is lowest, and lowests monthly customer fees).
But... I live in a 1 bedroom apt w/ den... it's big- 825 sq ft, but not like it's a house or anything. I run the A/C and my computer constantly, but my A/C never gets colder than 72 degrees, and if I catch it that low I move it to 75 ASAP. I don't have a washing machine/dryer in my apt. I do have a water heater in my apt. I don't leave lights on all the time. My stove is electric, and I use that 4+ times per week, but I don't think cooking a lot would drive my costs up like that.
My old apartment was north of Houston, and it was bigger, actually a 2 story townhome, with 2 bedrooms, and the electricity bill was never higher than $140.
Anyone have any idea if this sounds right??? Do electricity companies mess up on this stuff? I didn't realise the $125 bill was for 2 weeks or I would have called the electricity company then, I thought it was for a whole month, which was in line with my previous apartment. When I called them today I found out the last bill was for 2 weeks and they told me that next month if I still thought it was high, I could have the provider go out and check the meter to verify it was right.... but that doesn't sound like it'll make a difference.
I just moved here a couple months ago, first bill was for $125 for 2 weeks!
Last months bill was $233, for 1944 kwh. One electric company's website said average usage was 1000 kwh.
It doesn't look like my rate is that high (I've been researching other company's rates, and mine is lowest, and lowests monthly customer fees).
But... I live in a 1 bedroom apt w/ den... it's big- 825 sq ft, but not like it's a house or anything. I run the A/C and my computer constantly, but my A/C never gets colder than 72 degrees, and if I catch it that low I move it to 75 ASAP. I don't have a washing machine/dryer in my apt. I do have a water heater in my apt. I don't leave lights on all the time. My stove is electric, and I use that 4+ times per week, but I don't think cooking a lot would drive my costs up like that.
My old apartment was north of Houston, and it was bigger, actually a 2 story townhome, with 2 bedrooms, and the electricity bill was never higher than $140.
Anyone have any idea if this sounds right??? Do electricity companies mess up on this stuff? I didn't realise the $125 bill was for 2 weeks or I would have called the electricity company then, I thought it was for a whole month, which was in line with my previous apartment. When I called them today I found out the last bill was for 2 weeks and they told me that next month if I still thought it was high, I could have the provider go out and check the meter to verify it was right.... but that doesn't sound like it'll make a difference.
Last edited by jmh21; 10-05-2005 at 06:41 PM.
#2
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I paid $202 last month. That was one of my highest payments ever(2 1/2 years). That's for a 3-bedroom, 1600 sq/ft home.
They are saying get ready for your gas bill to go up, because "natural gas prices are going up" (I don't doubt that)...but it just so happens to be at the start of the winter...hmmmm? F you!!!!!!!
They are saying get ready for your gas bill to go up, because "natural gas prices are going up" (I don't doubt that)...but it just so happens to be at the start of the winter...hmmmm? F you!!!!!!!
#3
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Who are you using for electric? I have Entergy mine was $250 for 2747 kwh in August and $281 for 2727 kwh in September. They raised the rates last month and are trying to raise them again. But your bill sounds really high for the amount of power you used.
#4
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wow, that's crazy that you use that much. i paid 206 for 1582 kWh last month. that's a 2100 sq ft 3 bed house with pretty high ceilings. you need an automatic thermostat if you live by yourself there...my a/c shuts off when i leave for work and comes on about 30 minutes before i get home. computer always runs. if your a/c won't get colder than 72 in an 800 sq ft place, maybe the a/c is going out...i dunno.
#7
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Actually, Reliant was kind enough to send me a bill for 2 summer months of electricity and on top of that, I was on the "averaging" plan and had a negative balance. So they added that onto the 2 months. Grand total ---> over $700
I hate Reliant and I hate SBC
I hate Reliant and I hate SBC
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#8
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800 sqft apartment, 3rd floor (top floor), with 15ft vaulted ceilings, running 3 computers 24/7 in addition to standard cooling and appliances. 1 month = 120$ with green Mountain wind energy.
Brad
Brad
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2200 sq. ft. 2 story, this month is 2563 kWh for 340.57
A/C down to 75 at night, up to 87 during the day. I have a 15 year old single 3.5 ton unit that struggles to cool this place.
A/C down to 75 at night, up to 87 during the day. I have a 15 year old single 3.5 ton unit that struggles to cool this place.
#11
my dad showed me a bill he got today. this time of the year, he usually pays about 100-110, 120 at the most. the bill he showed me today was for $381. Something has to be wrong. no ****** way.
He's gonna call tomorrow to see what the deal is.
He's gonna call tomorrow to see what the deal is.
#16
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Mine has been about $140 for an 1800 sq ft house all summer. 77-76 when we are home and 80 during the day.
If you think this sucks wait till winter. I hear we won't gettting the usual break on utility bills with natural gas shooting up.
If you think this sucks wait till winter. I hear we won't gettting the usual break on utility bills with natural gas shooting up.
#17
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Our bills are only going to get worse. From what I hear, Reliant will be raising their rates by about 14% by the end of October. Not to mention the rise in NG prices. I am not looking forward to the winter with a gas heater. that may get kind of expensive as well.
Just FYI, you guys should try shutting down the computers while they are not being used. They use quite a bit of electricity!
My bill has only been about $130 a month for a 1800 sq/ft house. A/C on 75 at night and then 85 during the day while everyone is gone.
Some of you with older A/C's and older homes should really consider upgrading. My parents recently upgraded to a new A/C unit, added insulation to their attic, and added a programable thermostat to their 35+ year old home and their electricity bill has gone down by over $200 from the same months last summer.
Chris
Just FYI, you guys should try shutting down the computers while they are not being used. They use quite a bit of electricity!
My bill has only been about $130 a month for a 1800 sq/ft house. A/C on 75 at night and then 85 during the day while everyone is gone.
Some of you with older A/C's and older homes should really consider upgrading. My parents recently upgraded to a new A/C unit, added insulation to their attic, and added a programable thermostat to their 35+ year old home and their electricity bill has gone down by over $200 from the same months last summer.
Chris
#19
Thanks guys for all the input! I'm going to ask around my apartment complex and see what other people are paying and then I'm going to yell at management for giving me an inefficient A/C (I think that's what the problem is).
Amen! I used to do tech support for SBC, and they're horrible!!!
Originally Posted by 10SECDWS6
I hate Reliant and I hate SBC
#20
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http://www.powertochoose.org/
Try this link, it will show all the electric companys and what they charge.
Start by typing in your zip at the top.......
Try this link, it will show all the electric companys and what they charge.
Start by typing in your zip at the top.......