Power Company keeps sending me comparisons of my usage compared to my neighbors

[mtbazz]

Every month I am getting sent a letter from my power company comparing my usage to my neighbors. Mine is always 2-2.5x as high.

All I am running is 1000 watter on 12:12, a small exhuast fan, and and 8 tube T5 fixture going 24 hours.

I pay my bill on time and never run a past due balance.

Is this anything to be concerned about?

Ive been trying to make adjustments in other areas to help keep it down (only running dishwasher once a week, not as many laundry loads, etc).

 

[soursmoker]

maybe think about dimming your 1000w to 600w if that is an option... besides that, idk man... could also maybe go 4 or 6 tube t5.

might help, might not... also could do 20/4 or 18/6 veg time instead of 24 hours... just some thoughts.

 

[EclipseFour20]

Be bold...call them up and explain you are working from home and consume a lot of electricity and ASK...if they have a "time of use" billing schedule...aka TOU Tarriff.

In my case, the TOU tariff rate saves me hundreds of dollars each month--the only inconvenience is...during the day (10 AM - 6 PM) Edison charges me higher rates so we must conserve...but between 6PM and 10AM the rate is cheap! Of course that required a smartmeter (no biggy for me). The winter rates are nice...the summer rates are almost twice the winter...arrgh!

 

[Weird]

its too low wattage to sweat it you could have a number of legitimate devices creating that kind of draw

 

[soursmoker]

just weird that they are sending you a comparison in the first place... i still say tune things down a bit just so yours isnt 2x your neighbors, but its totally your call bro.

 

[mowood3479]

where i live they send those notices to everyone... (at least everyone ive talked to)

 

[Green Supreme]

So the power company is telling you how much yer neighbors bill is? That seems like an invasion of privacy. Peace GS

 

[Mr.Fastcast]

I've been getting those for many years.My usage is still lower than my neighbors,with the grow running.

 

[vertigo0007]

I get them also. They dont say which neighbor pays what, justthatyours is high!

 

[wantaknow]

do you have a smart meter,are you in a non med state,put that big light on a large battery back up like usp ,then the timer it will eliminate power spikes,you may want to spend that cash on a new large hi output led ,insteed of the power bill

 

[BOMBAYCAT]

If you live in an old house with old appliances you would be surprised how much electricity they suck up.

 

[Crusader Rabbit]

My regular power bills always have a section showing where my usage is compared to the average within my community. This is pretty standard. It doesn't mean that they are singling you out. Two to two and a half times the normal usage doesn't sound that out of the ordinary. It's smart to limit use by managing other appliances. Myself, I need a new gas stove, gas water heater, and new refrigerator to bring the usage down.

 

[ydijadoit]

If you haven't done so already, I'd recommend switching all lights in your house that are not on a dimmer, to CFL's. I did it here, when I started growing, and the difference is huge. In a house full of 75 watt ceiling cans, dropping 23W CFL's in each one adds up fast.
Seems like you are paying attention to details, and not blowing off what could be a warning in disguise. 99.9% chance it's no big deal, but good for you for staying on it.
For your peace of mind, think of it this way. You are essentially running a 1500w space heater 12 hours a day. Or 2 computers, and your home theater system.
It's more likely your meter is going tits-up, and they are trying to narrow it down. I have heard (second hand information) that if the meter goes bad, and they don't replace it, they can be liable for overbilling you, or any damage that results if it melts off the side of your house.
I get the concern, believe me. Keep working the problem, think before you act, and don't let it eat ya' up!
Be safe!

"Paranoid. Because sometimes, one noid just won't do"

 

[Puscifer]

do you have a smart meter

Curious...

 

[Fly by Night]

Anywhere from 4.5-6.5 is average they say, thank the lord

 

[Puffaluffagus]

Common thing.
I get them from my gas company every few months.
Compares my usage to the other neighbors in my area and then lists tips for reducing bill/increasing efficiency.

It's nothing bad, they are giving it to you in a effort to help you save money by making you aware that your usage is on the high end for your neighborhood, and letting you know ways to bring it down.

 

[EclipseFour20]

If you haven't done so already, I'd recommend switching all lights in your house that are not on a dimmer, to CFL's.....

Sorry, can not STAND the CFL light quality for normal household needs. Gotta have incandescent lamps--and I stock up when they go on sale; eventually they will be outlawed.

Fucking Globalwarming reactionist do-gooders! I don't know which is worst: Jehovah Witness bible thumpers--are do-gooder nannies telling me I can't do this or eat that cuz it is bad for me! Jimi Hendrix got it right when he wrote, "I'm the one that's gonna have to die, when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to." (If Six was Nine).

 

[X-Treme]

just pay and youll be fine

 

[WelderDan]

To add....

A 1000 watt HPS only added a measly $50 to my monthly bill, along with two banks of florescent veg lights, fans and a bunch of air pumps.

Pay the bill on time and don't sweat it

 

[foomar]

Here the power companies have legal obligations to help customers reduce their consumption or switch to a better tarrif for them , often trying to flog insulation at the same time , they can be over helpfull but the motive seems genuine so far.

The dual tarrif / economy seven metering here allows seven hours at 8 pence per Kwh with a standard rate of 20 pence per Kwh , originally intended to feed night storage heaters , i make sure i overlap it with 12 hours flower and run tumblers and washing machines on a timer to make the best use of it.


Good point on replaceing lights , consumer led type that retrofit existing sockets are still relatively expensive , but could be a better longterm solution than CFL for some fixtures.

My desk lamp has gone from 60 watts to 3 watts for a similar illumination , at 40 odd hours every week even this adds up , whole house saveing was substantial on lighting alone.

Also hated florescents with a vengeance , dreadfull colour rendition and a migraine , but have found the more recent daylight spectrum bulbs to be acceptable for general use and suprisingly good as veg lights in the higher wattages.