Elec bill shock!!!

Did you buy an electric car?

You might have something pulling current that your not aware of.

weird, this last month was actually 2/3 less than normal for us. maybe you're getting charged for our power?

Were any of the values estimated?

Not to change the subject, but how is that marijuana grow operation in your basement coming along?

Sorry, but have to lol at that one.
I trust utility companies about as much a...well you get what I mean. Before you call them double check the bill and evrything else you have considered. What if they find they undercharged you previously? That just happened to a friend of mine and the water company. Now they owe big $$$ for the last few years.

My past two bills have been almost double what they usually have been on average. The first one I chalked up to hot weather causing my central air to run constantly, the second one I'm not so sure..

The reason for the third one will be "hope and change"

Last sumer, we rarely needed air conditioning,,,,,this year was different

You look stupid Wulf. More than usual when you are just stupid. Stupid.

What if they find they undercharged you previously? That just happened to a friend of mine and the water company. Now they owe big $$$ for the last few years.

Gotta love how the utility companies work both ends. If I make a mistake (underpay or overpay or forget to pay), it's my fault and I pay the late charges. Of course, that's fair.

If THEIR meter (that I don't touch, look at, or know how to read) is malfunctioning, it is MY responsibility and fault for that meter's malfunction. If I ask for their help...you know, being honest...I get socked with a huge bill due to something that is wrong with their equipment.

Nice system. I guess I wouldn't have a problem with them back-billing for charges if they would do yearly certifications to ensure their meters are working properly. That way you prevent someone from getting back-billed for 3-4-5 years of estimated utility usage.

No advice, other than I had the same thing happen to me last year around this time. Went from ~$50-60 a month bill to $200. Granted I had used the AC a bit more but was sticker shocked.

Best guess, is look at any new items in the house (AC, stove, heater) anything electric that might be offsetting it.

If nothing has changed and you haven't done anything out of the norm, look at your meter and verify the numbers. One time the guy read my neighbors meter by accident and was easily corrected by a phone call and another meter read.

Ryan, I'd rather look stupid, than be stupid, son.

Here's a suggestion, get a cheap clamp on amp-meter, pull the cover off the breaker box, check each black wire coming off the breakers. There are several things that can use more power, biggest would be a fridge going bad, non-stop running ac unit, have to realize just about anything you plug in the wall today has a constant power draw. Plug in transformers have a constant power draw whether the item on other end is being used or even plugged in. Leaving the computer turned on 24-7 also takes power. Cable TV boxes are another constant power draw. By checking the wire off each circuit breaker you can narrow down what has a high amp draw, and can then go see what on that circuit is drawing all the power. But you have to be careful in the breaker box, don't know if your comfortable doing that.

Linecrosser you sound like you have some experience with juice. Nobody should do what you're suggesting who does not have trained ability unless they want to get knocked across the room on their ass or worse.

just got an electric dryer and I was nervous about opening the electric bill. it wasn't that much higher than the previous bill

Mariner,
well they also make a plug in type that you plug into the wall then plug the device into it that will show you amperage but i think they cost more and some things that are hard wired your not gonna be able to check out, like the furnace and ac units.

on my last bill they jacked up my equal pmt plan by 40 bucks even thouugh my usage was way down.

End-Use Consumption of Electricity 2001
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/recs/recs2001/enduse2001/enduse2001.html

You can implement an austerity and awareness program for your household. Turn off lights, replace them with fluorescent or LED forms, and add timers where appropriate. Examine your fridge and decide what to do with it as regards replacement, cleaning, added insulation on the top and sides, etc.

A/C is a huge issue. People are using it like never before, and they are relying on it when older methods should have been used ... methods like an attic fan, strategic placement of trees, awnings and shades, etc.

The water heater is another issue. It can be given added insulation, and so can the pipes. It should be turned down. A more comprehensive change can be made by replacing such a large heater with a smaller one, supplemented by spot (electric) water heaters for sinks.

The larger problem is that our lifestyles are designed to waste energy, so everything that a person does at home tends to be wasteful, everything he buys is wasteful, etc. Dare to break out of that trap.