electric bill ???

[WiscWoody]

The network takes the most always-on constant power. I have a modem, router, switch with a fan, one VoIP module and two Roku 3s. Propane for dwh and CFLs for lighting. My biggest power user is the 82" DLP TV at 250 watts but that's not a lot compared to a plasma set.

 

[DamienBricka]

My biggest power user is the 82" DLP TV at 250 watts but that's not a lot compared to a plasma set.

That sure is a big TV

 

[WiscWoody]

Yep.

 

[moey]

My total bill is averaging $40 a month. I use around 260-320 kWh a month. Just me though. Service charge is $15 a month. I'd have to look at a bill to see if that works out but it's not much. No choice up here for a power supplier.

My last bill was 2400kw about $330. Sounds like a lot it is but that includes keeping a 2500sq/ft house at 70 degrees day and night about $230 for heat.

 

[Pellet-King]

last month used 1300+ kw, $216 bill, you guys are killing me!

 

[DBCOOPER]

You know when you compare it to the cell phone or cable, electricity is relatively inexpensive for what it does... I can get along without a phone and tv but I don't think I would do well without those "free electrons"

 

[MarkF48]

I've kept a spreadsheet on my electric usage and cost for a few years. In 2009 I installed an electric water heater (well insulated Marathon) to replace an oil fired water heater. In 2010 the comparative usage for the same month went up approximately 300kW/h from 2009 which reflects the added electric water heater. The electric usage was about the same in December of 2011 and had just installed and started to use a pellet stove. The use of the pellet stove kept the oil fired furnace from running which previously had kept the cellar at about 65-67F. In 2012 the cellar was staying around 50F and during the recent cold snap we had in 2013 the cellar dipped to about 42F and has remained around there. Not much has really changed in the way of electrical loading in the house other than the electric water heater. I'm thinking the significant difference in the cellar temperature has caused the water heater to cycle more frequently even though it is well insulated. The well water tank in the cellar being particularly cold likely contributes to the water heater operating longer to bring its temperature up. In comparison after 2010 for the month of May, the graph is pretty much flat. The pellet stove runs pretty much continuous, so I don't believe the ignitor comes on to contribute much to the bill.

The chart below the graph depicts the kW/H, actual bill, and the "real" cost per kW/H (delivery+electricity). I've been getting flyers from different electric suppliers, but the difference in the electricity cost isn't that great compared the bulk of the bill being the delivery charges. Some of the Aug/Sept peaks are from A/C usage.

 

[DamienBricka]

I also have tried to figure out why my electrical usage is not going down more. So I bought a "KILL A WHAT" and have found on 2 plugs that the ghost usage is extremely high. My conclusion modern gadget that are always plugged in are probably representing between 10 and 30 % of the bill. When my investigation is finished I will post the results.

 

[moey]

I've kept a spreadsheet on my electric usage and cost for a few years. In 2009 I installed an electric water heater (well insulated Marathon) to replace an oil fired water heater. In 2010 the comparative usage for the same month went up approximately 300kW/h from 2009 which reflects the added electric water heater. The electric usage was about the same in December of 2011 and had just installed and started to use a pellet stove. The use of the pellet stove kept the oil fired furnace from running which previously had kept the cellar at about 65-67F. In 2012 the cellar was staying around 50F and during the recent cold snap we had in 2013 the cellar dipped to about 42F and has remained around there. Not much has really changed in the way of electrical loading in the house other than the electric water heater. I'm thinking the significant difference in the cellar temperature has caused the water heater to cycle more frequently even though it is well insulated. The well water tank in the cellar being particularly cold likely contributes to the water heater operating longer to bring its temperature up. In comparison after 2010 for the month of May, the graph is pretty much flat. The pellet stove runs pretty much continuous, so I don't believe the ignitor comes on to contribute much to the bill.

Have you ever cleaned your elements on your tank? They can get crap all over them that basically insulates them.

 

[MarkF48]

Have you ever cleaned your elements on your tank? They can get crap all over them that basically insulates them.

For what that would entail to accomplish I wouldn't bother unless I thought something was seriously amiss. I routinely drain the sediment off the bottom which usually amounts to very little. No anode rod in this heater. The electric usage overall has stayed about the same in the same months in the summer, so I don't think there's an issue with the elements.
http://www.marathonheaters.com/consumers.html

 

[Bioburner]

The network takes the most always-on constant power. I have a modem, router, switch with a fan, one VoIP module and two Roku 3s. Propane for dwh and CFLs for lighting. My biggest power user is the 82" DLP TV at 250 watts but that's not a lot compared to a plasma set.

Plasmas have gotten a lot better> Our 64 inch Sammy runs around 325 with all the smart s*&% on. The older amp was a killer at close to 500

 

[mithesaint]

The network takes the most always-on constant power. I have a modem, router, switch with a fan, one VoIP module and two Roku 3s. Propane for dwh and CFLs for lighting. My biggest power user is the 82" DLP TV at 250 watts but that's not a lot compared to a plasma set.

Nice TV. I have a 65 DLP and love it. Great wow factor. Can't even imagine how awesome the 82 is.

 

[Pellet-King]

I have a 92" screen in the mancave and a 100" in the "garage cave"

 

[Pellet-King]

I've kept a spreadsheet on my electric usage and cost for a few years. In 2009 I installed an electric water heater (well insulated Marathon) to replace an oil fired water heater. In 2010 the comparative usage for the same month went up approximately 300kW/h from 2009 which reflects the added electric water heater. The electric usage was about the same in December of 2011 and had just installed and started to use a pellet stove. The use of the pellet stove kept the oil fired furnace from running which previously had kept the cellar at about 65-67F. In 2012 the cellar was staying around 50F and during the recent cold snap we had in 2013 the cellar dipped to about 42F and has remained around there. Not much has really changed in the way of electrical loading in the house other than the electric water heater. I'm thinking the significant difference in the cellar temperature has caused the water heater to cycle more frequently even though it is well insulated. The well water tank in the cellar being particularly cold likely contributes to the water heater operating longer to bring its temperature up. In comparison after 2010 for the month of May, the graph is pretty much flat. The pellet stove runs pretty much continuous, so I don't believe the ignitor comes on to contribute much to the bill.

The chart below the graph depicts the kW/H, actual bill, and the "real" cost per kW/H (delivery+electricity). I've been getting flyers from different electric suppliers, but the difference in the electricity cost isn't that great compared the bulk of the bill being the delivery charges. Some of the Aug/Sept peaks are from A/C usage.
View attachment 125277 View attachment 125278

I have oil forced air furnace, have never really used it since I bought this house in 2008, my stove came with me when I moved, the cold celar also makes your upstairs colder as the cold floors and cold air getting sucked from the register's, I installed a Hybrid water heater and it's still running on heat pump at mid 40's, yes the cold water along with the cold cellar will make it run alot more, it's a trade off, If oil was under $3 I would burn oil instead of pellets.
My kids ages 21 and 18 have never grown up feeling a equally heated home, it's 73 in my living room, but 60 in the kitchen and i live in a small 1500sq ft Cape.
Trade off is alot of the heat goes up the stairs to there bedrooms, I dont sleep up there and they complain it's cold, it's alot warmer than my bedroom next to the living room as the heat does not like to take a U turn

 

[Jack Morrissey]

I've kept a spreadsheet on my electric usage and cost for a few years. In 2009 I installed an electric water heater (well insulated Marathon) to replace an oil fired water heater. In 2010 the comparative usage for the same month went up approximately 300kW/h from 2009 which reflects the added electric water heater. The electric usage was about the same in December of 2011 and had just installed and started to use a pellet stove. The use of the pellet stove kept the oil fired furnace from running which previously had kept the cellar at about 65-67F. In 2012 the cellar was staying around 50F and during the recent cold snap we had in 2013 the cellar dipped to about 42F and has remained around there. Not much has really changed in the way of electrical loading in the house other than the electric water heater. I'm thinking the significant difference in the cellar temperature has caused the water heater to cycle more frequently even though it is well insulated. The well water tank in the cellar being particularly cold likely contributes to the water heater operating longer to bring its temperature up. In comparison after 2010 for the month of May, the graph is pretty much flat. The pellet stove runs pretty much continuous, so I don't believe the ignitor comes on to contribute much to the bill.

The chart below the graph depicts the kW/H, actual bill, and the "real" cost per kW/H (delivery+electricity). I've been getting flyers from different electric suppliers, but the difference in the electricity cost isn't that great compared the bulk of the bill being the delivery charges. Some of the Aug/Sept peaks are from A/C usage.
View attachment 125277 View attachment 125278

That makes sense to me about the well water tank and heater being a lot colder.. my downstairs has been in the mid to upper 40's during this cold snap too.

 

[WiscWoody]

I have a 92" screen in the mancave and a 100" in the "garage cave"

Awesome! It's funny how fast you get used to the big screen and it doesn't seem very big after awhile.

 

[BradH70]

Yes, I made the mistake of signing up with North American Power when they were advertising low rates last year. Apparently the fine print says it's a VARIABLE rate. Wonderful. I'm now paying .15/kwh! Robbery. And I can't switch until February. My bill this past month was ridiculous.

I will say that my use also when up mysteriously. Still trying to figure that one out.

Lots of people are having this issue with NAP. I signed up with the 6 month fixed rate and that was good but when the 6 months ended they switched me to variable rate without warning and this last bill was at .14/kwh which cost me an extra $100 dollars then normal. Fortunately I saw it right away and was able to cancel my account and get back on PSNH before the next meeter reading.

I'm going to submit a complaint to BBB and see what happens. The person that was helping me at PSNH said that lots of people are having the same problems and that some rates are as high as .18/kwh.