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How much is your energy bill?

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Home » Discuss » Archives » General Discussion (1/22-2007 thru 12/14/2010)

Joe the Liberal

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:07 PM
Original message

How much is your energy bill?

I just got my energy bill from Xcel this month, a total of $193.00. All previous months it's been around 100-109 but now all of a sudden they nearly double the bill. My brother called them and asked why our bill was so high and they basically gave no reason, other than that's just what they are going to start charging from now. This can't be right, How much do you pay per month on energy? I'd just like to see what other people are paying.

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WCGreen

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:08 PM
Response to Original message

1. For NG and Electrical I pay about 375 in the winter and 300 in the summer...

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WestSeattle2

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:10 PM
Response to Original message

2. $125/mo for water. sewer. electricity, and garbage

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Liberty Belle

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:11 PM
Response to Original message

3. $400 last month, can be $200 or less in summer for gas & electric.

Edited on Sat Feb-06-10 07:12 PM by Liberty Belle

That's for a tri-level house in the inland San Diego area. But SDG&E has among the highest utility rates in the nation, I'm told.

We just put in a new more efficient heater and we're hoping our bills will drop.

Water bills are going through the roof, but that's another story.

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DesertFlower

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Sat Feb-06-10 11:14 PM
Response to Reply #3

41. we have our own well so

we don't have a water bill. when we lived in our last house, it was getting quite high.

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PDJane

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:12 PM
Response to Original message

4. First of all, I live in an apartment.

Water and Garbage are included in the rent. Hydro is about 45 dollars per month in the winter, and about 55 in the hottest months of the summer. The apartment is just under 1000 square feet.

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DesertFlower

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Sat Feb-06-10 11:15 PM
Response to Reply #4

42. as soon as you said hydro

i knew you were in canada. my sister lives there.

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gateley

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:14 PM
Response to Original message

5. Some energy companies charge more during high-usage seasons.

For example, in warmer climates during the winter, 100 hours will be $100, in the summer when everybody is running the AC, 100 hours would be $150. Is it something like that? Or, like everything else besides wages, are the costs just increasing?

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DesertFlower

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Sat Feb-06-10 11:16 PM
Response to Reply #5

43. we have that too. the rates go up in april,

but go down in october.

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Shell Beau

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:15 PM
Response to Original message

6. I am on budget billing which keeps it pretty even through the year

because it would be sky high in the summer. During the winter, it is about $115. In the summer (even though it is budgeted), it is about $200.

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emilyg

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:18 PM
Response to Reply #6

10. Same here - best thing I signed

up for. $144/mo

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Shell Beau

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:24 PM
Response to Reply #10

12. Yeah, I guess the winter months would average about $50 if I didn't

have it, but the summer months would be killer. I'd rather pay a little extra in the winter, than to be slammed in the summer. Glad they offer it. Are you with Entergy by some chance?

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emilyg

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Sat Feb-06-10 10:56 PM
Response to Reply #12

39. I'm with Ga. Power.

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NYC_SKP

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:15 PM
Response to Original message

7. Usually between $100-$200, gas and electric, single resident, small home.

But with a shop and outbuildings.

Home is just under 1000sf.

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Liberal_in_LA

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:15 PM
Response to Original message

8. For 1000+ sq ft condo, about 75 a month... doesn't include water or garbage. that's in the HOA bill

Edited on Sat Feb-06-10 07:16 PM by Liberal_in_LA

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4lbs

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:16 PM
Response to Original message

9. $95 monthly for natural gas and electricity, $25 monthly for water.

Edited on Sat Feb-06-10 07:17 PM by 4lbs

I know that my energy and utility rates vary depending on the time of day, and plan my usages around that to minimize the cost when using my appliances.

From 8am to 5pm weekdays, the electricity rate (price per kwh) is it's highest.

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aikoaiko

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:18 PM
Response to Original message

11. $110 in the winter, $250 in the summer.

We like it chilly.

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Blue_In_AK

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:29 PM
Response to Original message

13. Gas around $225 in the winter, $60 or so in the summer.

Edited on Sat Feb-06-10 07:30 PM by Blue_In_AK

Electricity runs about $150 more or less. Obviously less in the summer when we don't have to turn on the lights.

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elocs

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:33 PM
Response to Original message

14. Xcel, budget plan, $96 a month for everything. n/t

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FreeJG

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:37 PM
Response to Original message

15. Florida last month 287 and I was cold ...friend 345. 00.summer 285 and too warm in the house.

Florida is NO LONGER THE CHEAP STATE!

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Dr.Phool

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Sat Feb-06-10 10:39 PM
Response to Reply #15

37. Yeah, Progress Energy slapped on a 30% surcharge last year.

For pre construction costs for two nukes they might start building in 15 years.

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flvegan

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:39 PM
Response to Original message

16. Around $350/mo for electric.

Mostly due to the most inefficient POS central a/c in the world.

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Oceansaway

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:41 PM
Response to Original message

17. MidAmerican Energy...$86.00 per

month on the yearly budget....for electric & gas....

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safeinOhio

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:46 PM
Response to Original message

18. For January 2009 my gas bill was $130.

This year it was $96. I turned the heat down from 70 to 64.

For between $200 and $400 you can have an energy audit done on your home. They will use a thermal image camera to show you where energy is going and a door blower that can show you all the air leaks in your house. Most people can save about 30% on utility bills. You will have the data to make the most cost effective changes to save money. The audit will look at heat, air, water and electric use.

I'm going to take some classes and buy the equipment later this month to start a business in that field. Google "Energy Audit" to learn more.

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Statistical

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Sat Feb-06-10 08:02 PM
Response to Reply #18

21. That sounds like a good service.

Edited on Sat Feb-06-10 08:06 PM by Statistical

Especially if you can also advise clients on federal & state tax credits and utility rebates that are offered.

There is a lot of money out there to make energy improvements less expensive.

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Statistical

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Sat Feb-06-10 07:59 PM
Response to Original message

19. Did you even read the bill?

Edited on Sat Feb-06-10 08:01 PM by Statistical

What was your rate last month? $ per kwh
What is your rate this month? $ per kwh

What was your consumption last month? kwh
What is your consumption this month? kwh

If I got a bill and the amount doubled I would be looking at it comparing it to the previous one.

Did my rate go up? If so how much? Considering most utilities the annual max is capped I doubt rate hike can explain 100% increase.

So did consumption go up? If so why? What could I be doing that is using more electricity? Electric heat and colder than normal winter? Appliance wasting a lot of energy? Broken/torn/damaged weather striping insulation?

BTW: I am on budget electic plans & budget nat gas plans so I spend $80 a month on electricity + $50 on gas.

However my actual gas consumption in January was $140 due to the cold weather. We used about 30% more than the highest month last year.

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w8liftinglady

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Sat Feb-06-10 08:00 PM
Response to Original message

20. 200/mo-2 bedroom apt

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NYC_SKP

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Sat Feb-06-10 08:07 PM
Response to Original message

22. A good follow-up question: Who knows what their energy mix is? (what sources make electricity)

Here's an example:

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Statistical

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Sat Feb-06-10 08:28 PM
Response to Reply #22

24. Wow that is a pretty good mix.

Very low coal, high nuclear, high renewables.

How much does that cost per kwh?

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NYC_SKP

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Sat Feb-06-10 08:44 PM
Response to Reply #24

25. We pay different rates for different tiers, I paid around $0.13/kWh, average.

Not bad for California.

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Statistical

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Sat Feb-06-10 08:51 PM
Response to Reply #25

28. I would pay $0.13 in VA if I had the choice.

With dominion power we pay $0.10 per kwh however it has very high coal generation (like 50%).

I would gladly pay $0.03 more for a more diversified mix of power.

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NYC_SKP

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Sat Feb-06-10 08:56 PM
Response to Reply #28

30. We can also join "Climate Smart" in which offsetting actions reduce our carbon footprint.

Take Action against Climate Change

Introducing ClimateSmart™, a first-of-its-kind voluntary program created to help each of us fight climate change. With ClimateSmart, you can balance out the greenhouse gas emissions associated with your energy use and make it "climate neutral."

Pacific Gas and Electric Company* is proud to be the first customer of ClimateSmart, making our buildings "climate neutral."

How ClimateSmart Works

The energy you use emits greenhouse gases into the atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels.
By signing up for ClimateSmart, you can pay a separate amount on your monthly energy bill to "balance out" these emissions.
PG&E will invest 100% of your ClimateSmart payment in new greenhouse gas emission reduction projects in California.
ClimateSmart projects, such as conserving and restoring forests, absorb or reduce greenhouse gases.

How Much Will ClimateSmart Cost Me Each Month?

The typical Northern California home contributes, on average, $5 per month. Through 2009, the monthly cost for ClimateSmart participation is $0.00254 per kilowatt-hour (for electricity) and $0.06528 per therm (for natural gas). Here is an example based on your previous month's bill:

Your Energy Use:: ELECTRICITY 574.0 kWh / GAS 152.42 therms
Your ClimateSmart Amount: $11.41
Your ClimateSmart amount will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by: 2349 lbs this month
The ClimateSmart program is being funded by PG&E customers in accordance with a decision of the California Public Utilities Commission. To make participating customers climate neutral, PG&E may enter into greenhouse gas emission reduction contracts where the reductions occur over time into the future.

*Funded by PG&E shareholders, not customers

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Paper Roses

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Sat Feb-06-10 08:24 PM
Response to Original message

23. Varies with the season. Winter kills me.

Summer, 45/month elec and 24 month gas hot water. Come cold weather, it starts to climb. Last month $382.00 for heating oil, $187.00 Electricity. This month will be the biggest because it has been so cold. This house uses a lot of fuel and is not well insulated. I have to use the dryer in the winter plus I have one room with an electric Hydro-Sil heater. It is in al "L", my den. I cannot find anything cheaper to heat that room. Everything seems to consume 1500 watts of power. I cannot afford to have a professional come in and install a permanent baseboard radiator, even though the new furnace can accommodate it. Space is too narrow and on ledge.
Got to love old houses.

My gas for hot water has gone up about $15.00 these last few months for something they call delivery charge or similar wording.

The winter places a great hardship on all of us. Tough to stretch a Social Security check for me.
These are New England prices.

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seabeyond

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Sat Feb-06-10 08:48 PM
Response to Original message

26. winter gas goes up. 275. summer our electric. automatic draw so try not to look

i about croak this month when i saw. but seeing others are as high too. just makes me sick

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LeftyMom

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Sat Feb-06-10 08:48 PM
Response to Original message

27. My electric is $45/mo and gas tops out at about $25.

Edited on Sat Feb-06-10 08:49 PM by LeftyMom

I pay to lease part of a solar farm my utility owns, and it's production offsets my bill. As a result I actually pay a bit more for electric in the winter than the summer, since all that solar offsets most/all of my usage when the sun is shining.

It helps that my place was remodeled shortly before I moved in, so the windows are insulated, the climate control gizmos are all newish, etc. Nothing fancy, but not really outdated leaky stuff, at least.

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mdmc

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Sat Feb-06-10 08:55 PM
Response to Original message

29. $520 - 2 room flat / not winterized

:(

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NYC_SKP

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Sat Feb-06-10 09:34 PM
Response to Reply #29

34. Oh shit!

You pay that yourself or the owner?

What do you do for heat?

If they're old school electric space heaters, that may be your problem.

1500 watt units can eat up the energy.

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mdmc

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Sun Feb-07-10 11:36 AM
Response to Reply #34

51. oil heat (bill includes electric also)

now we just use our electric blanket and sit in the 50 degree chill. we pay..

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NYC_SKP

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Mon Feb-08-10 11:03 AM
Response to Reply #51

54. Growing up on the farm, not much money, we found strategies....

...like dressing up very heavily, lots of quilts on the bed, and sleeping together.

Me with grandma, mom with sister.

It was a chilly hell, but the idea of fully heating a 3000 sf home 24/7 (as many americans do) is crazy.

I think more of us will be finding ourselves in your situation before long.

Stay warm!

:P

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MissDeeds

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Sat Feb-06-10 09:42 PM
Response to Reply #29

36. Ouch!

Edited on Sat Feb-06-10 09:53 PM by MissDeeds

For a two room flat? I have a 14 room Victorian, set the heat on 66, and paid only $375 for gas heating in January. If you rent, you should demand it be winterized.

Poor mdmc :hug:. That's a bummer.

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mdmc

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Sun Feb-07-10 11:37 AM
Response to Reply #36

52. our landlord did put in storm windows and it helped a lot

:(
I just can't catch a break my friend..

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Sisaruus

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Sat Feb-06-10 09:00 PM
Response to Original message

31. January bill: $685

Electric heat in CT.

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gateley

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Sun Feb-07-10 01:08 AM
Response to Reply #31

44. Holy cow! nt

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tpsbmam

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Sun Feb-07-10 12:32 PM
Response to Reply #31

53. Holy shit! nt

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Ruby the Liberal

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Sat Feb-06-10 09:03 PM
Response to Original message

32. $365

:(

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tammywammy

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Sat Feb-06-10 09:03 PM
Response to Original message

33. Avg around $75/month. n/t

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tpsbmam

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Sat Feb-06-10 09:37 PM
Response to Original message

35. Last month it was $369....I almost had a heart attack.....

It's normally under $200, often under $150, sometimes under $100. It was the cold last month -- everything I have is electrical (heat pump for heat).

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nc4bo

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Sat Feb-06-10 10:54 PM
Response to Original message

38. Almost 300 bucks - about 80-90 more than last year even with less useage and average of 68

degree thermostat at night. Lately we've been turning the bloody thing completely off.

Between the damn co-op busting our chops, Harnett county added a additional solid waste fee to our property taxes and forced us to pay for county sewer service. The new sewage rate for those who choose not to connect is $17.50 for water and around $20 for sewer (even if you don't hook up to it). Those who are actually connected will be paying the typical water rate (base starts at $17.50) x 2 or 2.5 over the water rate.

Killing. Us. Slowly and surely.

All these higher bills and the number of unemployed, the lack of GOOD jobs, those on extended unemployment benefits, public assistance and we've got quite the situation going on here.

Anger is building up. Very angry and desperate people walking around here more than ever.

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DesertFlower

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Sat Feb-06-10 11:13 PM
Response to Original message

40. we're on an equalizer plan.

it comes out to $296 a month. our house is 2800 sq. ft. (all electric) and our well and septic system are electric too. the rates have gone up a few times in the last few years.

this month's actual bill was $220, but in the july and august it has run as high as $360.00

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trackfan

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Sun Feb-07-10 01:38 AM
Response to Original message

45. Most recent: Water and Power for 2 months was $400. Gas for 1 month $27. n/t

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NickB79

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Sun Feb-07-10 02:12 AM
Response to Original message

46. $200/mo for propane, $90/mo for electric during the winter

That's to heat ~1200 sq. ft. in the lower level of our house at 63F days/60F at night, along with using a woodburning cast-iron stove in the living room at night to bump the temp up to 68F. The upper level, ~700 sq. ft, is closed off and set to 45F on the electric baseboard heater since we don't use that space yet.

We live a bit south of the Twin Cities, MN, so it can get pretty cold during the winter. The house is 40 yr old and needs an extra FOOT of attic insulation installed this summer, as well as insulation in the attached garage. The windows are original and leak, but I plastic-sealed them up before winter. Thank god for that $8000 tax credit so that we can do some energy efficiency upgrades.

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Skittles

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Sun Feb-07-10 02:15 AM
Response to Original message

47. about $80 - $90

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DFLforever

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Sun Feb-07-10 02:22 AM
Response to Original message

48. $ 151.00 per month X 12 : Xcel budget plan

Edited on Sun Feb-07-10 02:24 AM by DFLforever

It's $12 per month cheaper than last year.

It covers both gas and electric.

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Fire_Medic_Dave

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Sun Feb-07-10 02:36 AM
Response to Original message

49. It averages out to $180 a month gas and electric.

We keep the house pretty cool in the summer though. It could probably be $60 less a month but I would rather be comfortable.

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Prometheus Bound

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Sun Feb-07-10 02:53 AM
Response to Original message

50. Mine's free thanks to a government subsidy.

I'm in Hong Kong. One good thing about having an unelected government. They try hard to please, so we don't get too restless I guess.

To help people deal with the economic downturn, they gave a US$80/HK$300 per month electricity subsidy to households for a year from Sept 2008 to Aug 2009. If you didn't use it you can carry it over until 2014. No one lived in my apartment for a year, so when I moved in I guess it had $3600 in subsidies built up. I haven't paid a penny in 5 months so far.

I feel a bit like a thief but the electricity company sends me the bill every month with $0.00 due, so what can I do? Strange.
http://www.fstb.gov.hk/tb/eng/info/electricitychargesubsidy.html

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