LS-ONE_DAY

For the last 18 years at my parents we had Allegheny / Potomac Edison as our electricity supplier and I heard bad things about BGE. Well my new house that I bought a few months ago has BGE. At first things weren't too bad but all of a sudden **** hit the fan. KEEP IN MIND THE HOUSE IS VACANT, I HAVE NOT MOVED IN YET Listen to this:

First Bill (read 9/13/13) - Actual 21 days 241 kwh 77* avg = $190
That was expected with start up fees and whatnot

Second Bill (read 10/13/13) - Actual 31 days 290 kwh 65* avg = $49
Much better

Third Bill (read 11/13/13) - Actual 28 days 602 kwh 51* avg = $90
BGE DIGITAL SMART READER INSTALLED. Usage showed (current reading - previous reading = kwh used) 602 - 0 = 602 used! I paid without seeing that, I looked back at it after the following 2 bills...

Fourth Bill (read 12/13/13) - Actual 32 days 1106 kwh 40* avg = $155
Current reading 1708 - previous 602 = 1106...this is starting to get ridiculous..Payment due by 1/29 so it hasn't been paid yet

Fifth Bill (I haven't been to the house to get the mail but I got an email stating the bill date, amount due, and due date)...$303
I don't know what the reading is on that one yet

So WHAT THE HELL. Every month it's pretty much doubling my bill since the smart meter was put in! I know it's been colder but should it be THAT drastic of a difference?

Anyone else experience this??

hardbones

I wonder if the first reads before the smart meter was installed were estimates and they are making up the difference?

LS-ONE_DAY

All the bills I have since I bought the house have explicitly stated "actual" next to the meter read dates, otherwise I'd see what you're saying about them just backcharging, but I don't think it's the case.

thechef

iTrader: (13)

I am guessing you have electric heat?
if so and your not living there why is the heat on so high???

LS-ONE_DAY

It is set to 65, I'm going to turn it down to 55-60 and see if that helps (we go over and paint once a week or so)

There is a big thing going on WBAL 11 news' facebook page talking about BGE bills right now I commented on along with ~100 other people so far about their bills and the smart meters.

gagliano7

Does that also include gas?

LS-ONE_DAY

No gas, just electric

TNTramair

iTrader: (15)

if you havent paid your dec bill yet than your 5th bill most likely is including that $155.00 from Dec. that hasnt been paid yet. just a thought.

LS-ONE_DAY

I called them, after an hour on the phone, she told me to ignore the bill for $155 and just pay the $303 due 2/13 so that seems reasonable. They also set me up with a free energy audit which someone is supposed to contact me about scheduling in a few days. If the readings don't drop when the weather warms up they said they'll have a tech come out and inspect the meter and replace it if necessary.

I did stop by today and lower the thermostat to 57, hopefully that will save money while still keeping the house warm enough so stuff doesn't freeze

thechef

iTrader: (13)

there you go there is NO reason for the heat to be at 65* all week when your not there, thats just throwing money away 58* will keep the pipes warm so they dont freeze

demonspeed

iTrader: (7)

Depending on the how things are set up, you might even be comfortable setting it at 50*. Either way, call and ask for actual reads.

I manage condo rentals for a private developer -- I've wanted to cry at the gas bills that just came in which reflect the wild drops in temps... and all I do is forward them to him to pay! Just the way it is right now. It sure beats frozen/burst pipes.

SSdreamz

iTrader: (3)

learn to read your own meter and compare to their readings, I also agree on setting the temp lower if you arent living there yet. Electric heat will make that meter spin like a top! Also, to me, it sounds like the 303.00 also included the previous balance that you didnt pay. All their energy audit will tell you is that you need to spend lots of money to be more efficient....better insulation, windows, appliances, furnace needs updated or cleaned, use CFL light bulbs...

LS-ONE_DAY

Yeah I had that part about the $303 figured out about I week ago, from my last post, after I called them and they said the $155 was sent in error and was included in the $303. I don't really have to learn to read my meter, it's digital now lol so it can't be any easier. I do keep an eye on if they do an estimated reading rather than actual though.