OH.MY.GOD!!

[Control-Z]

I just paid my electric bill on-line. IT WAS OVER $740.00!!

[JVS]

1. What the hell are you running!

[JesterCS]

2. Yankee Stadium apparently =p N/T

[Control-Z]

4. You met my boy and his buddies, eh?

[Renew Deal]

59. lol

Let's go Yankees!!!

[Control-Z]

3. Less than last year

I've been sooooo careful but it's been so damn hot and I get sick with the heat so I have to keep it cool in my room.

[JesterCS]

5. Indeed

its understandable. IF it wasnt for the humidity around here, i wouldnt mind the heat so much, but when you step outside and you literally WEAR the air.. thats when its too much.

[Control-Z]

6. I don't know what I'm going to do.

This is the hottest summer we've ever had - ever and it's never been humid until this year. Humid makes a big difference.

[Control-Z]

7. Oh, and we're getting a rate increase.

Haven't gotten that yet. I might as well just give up functioning.

[JesterCS]

9. Ive heard

winter heating will increase about 30% here in Cincinnati area =(.

We already had to turn the thermostat low last year. think we kept it at 68

[unpossibles]

38. yuk

I live in Cinci too. "luckily" we don't have central air - I'm not a huge fan of AC anyway, but it sure is nice for about 2-3 weeks...

We do have a window unit in the attic and about 10 fans, but hopefully won't be too bad.

[amitten]

8. Christ, how big is your house?

My bill here in Texas is like $200 during the worst part of summer!

[Control-Z]

11. Small

Very small. I saw some bills on the news a few weeks ago that were this size. They were talking about people being shocked by the numbers but I assumed these people had pools and large homes. I had no idea it would be me. We must have had an increase that I don't know about and now we're getting another. Oh my.

[LiberalHeart]

52. I suggest two things....

Get your meter checked or replaced.

Make sure you don't have a short somewhere in your electrical system.

[mike_c]

10. you ran up a $700+ electric bill with air conditioning...?

In SoCal? Holy shit, my electric bill, in NorCal, typically runs about $50 per month in summer. No A/C, but I don't need it. But if we have similar houses and lifestyles-- I live alone in a smallish house with modest needs-- and if we both buy our electricity from PG&E-- then that A/C explains most of the difference between our electric bills. You're living in the wrong place I think. That's crazy!

[Control-Z]

12. My electric runs between $130.00 and $180.00

the rest of the year. I just looked at my history and they have more than doubled the rates since last year. I'm in shock.

[amitten]

13. Something might be wrong.

You need to check it out and get to the bottom of it. There's no way they've almost tripled your rates all of a sudden.

[Control-Z]

14. I would agree if I hadn't seen

a newscast about it a few weeks ago and if ah-nold weren't Cal's gov.

[mike_c]

16. I just went and checked-- my bill for July is $40.42...

...and the rate is the same as last month's bill, $0.1143 per KWH (usage = 273 KWH, the difference, about $9.00, is for gas). Are you on PG&E? You should call your utility in any event-- I know your use is probably higher than mine-- like I said, I don't even HAVE air conditioning-- but that's really extreme.

[Control-Z]

23. I have SoCalEdison

I believe that might be the biggest difference. It's hard to tell what they charge per KWH. There are about 16 difference lines for KWH rates on the bill. Different rates at different levels. Looks like the rates increase with use.

[Popol Vuh]

17. I live in SoCal

And am on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power grid and pay $78 every two months. But of course LADWP is county regulated. SoCal Edison on the other hand was "deregulated".

[Control-Z]

19. Well, SoCal Edison is the one getting my money.

This is criminal. I'm furious. I've looked at the kwh usage and it's higher than normal but comparable to high months in past summers. How do they get away with this? I get sick when it's hot. I have to run the AC. They've pretty much doubled the rates unless they're tacking on a penalty for using power during the summer months.

[Popol Vuh]

22. I am angry with you

I too think its criminal. Its very telling to have two people living in the same city with one on a county regulated utility service and the other on a deregulated one, and have the comparisons that we do.

I wish I knew how to help you. All I can think of is to either move on the LADWP grid or set-up some solar cells to augment your power. I know that's probably no help.

What we need is full regulation back on all power grids. Sounds like an issue to push our politicians for.

[Control-Z]

27. Thanks

:) That makes me feel better - just knowing someone "gets" it and that a fellow DUer is so close to home. I wish I could move to the LADWP.

I guess I will move my computer downstairs where it stays naturally cooler and work and sleep down there the rest of the summer. I know it's going to get even hotter than it was. It always does in August. Uck.

I don't know much about deregulation. I've never really paid attention. My bills hadn't really changed much over the past 12 years - until now. I'd like to push a few politicians around now. I know this all goes back around to dirty business - I've heard bits and pieces but I don't know he particulars. I guess I'll have to do some googling.

[Kajsa]

57. Hear, Hear!!

I'm SoCal Edison, too!

There's a big difference in the rates and baselines
compared with DWP.

I wish we could all get on DWP's grid.

[Deja Q]

55. I usually run $60/mo, but now I'm scared to open my mailbox...

:cry:

[MarkDevin]

15. For one month?!

:wow:

[Control-Z]

20. Yes, one month. n/t

[MsKandice01]

18. Southern California Edison??

I'm going to have to call my mom in SoCal and find out how much her bill was. I'd faint if I saw my bill was that high.

[Control-Z]

21. Yeah - SoCalEdison

I was awake all last night dreading the bill. I was afraid to look at it. I resigned myself to the fact that it would be 350.00 - 400.00 and finally got some sleep. I couldn't have been more shocked when I was it tonight.

[Stardust]

24. That's sucks so bad...and you know they'll post "record profits," too

So have you checed the rates? Are they over 100% higher now than last summer? Has your usage doubled? If not, something might be amiss and they should investigate it. Wouldn't hurt to have an energy evaluation done.

[Control-Z]

28. We've had record heat

so I have used more than normal but I've had higher usage in the past. I've checked usage against the past 2 summers and at first I thought the rate had more than doubled but it is actually a little less than double - still close enough to call it double.

[Broken_Hero]

25. If I ever had to pay that...

I would...-------->have a heart attack. Your bill, is exactly 20 dollars less, than what our mortgage is...gasp! What the hell, do you run ac all the time!...;P Just kidding...:)

[alittlelark]

26. I assume you aren't 'growing green'

That is a hell of a bill-I would be freaked out! We live in Silicon Valley, but have avoided central air. Of course, the fact that we are both out of the area helps a lot....

[Control-Z]

29. I am so freaked.

If I didn't have savings I'd be screwed. What I'm really worried about is getting sick, though. I can't run the AC with the knowledge that it is costing this much but I get killer migraines from the heat and when I say killer I mean it. They are knock-down-drag-out-vomit-till-I'm-dehydrated-emergency-room-wanna-shoot-myself migraines that go on for days. I guess I could loiter at the grocery store all day or, if I had extra money, the mall.

[alittlelark]

30. uh, the mall is free.

The rest of your issues used to be taken care of........... how many AMERICAN ppl died of malnutrition or dehydration under the PREVIOUS President?

[NV Whino]

51. Get a note from your doctor

No, I'm not joking. You can get special rates if you must use more heat to maintain your health. I'm assuming the same thing holds true for more "coolth." Check out SoCalEd on the Internet. That should tell you if they have special rates and how you can qualify. PG&E has low income rates also. Maybe SoCalEd does too.

[mykpart]

31. Look at the detail on your bill.

There is an adjustment for the price they have to pay for fuel to turn the turbines to generate electricity. This is tied to the price of OIL! The adjustment on mine is $100 more than the actual usage charge. My bill looked like this:

Base monthly charge 5.12
Energy Charge 3034 KWH @ $0.53873/KWH 163.45
Fuel Factor for Generation 3034 KWH @ $0.088582/KWH 268.76
City Sales Tax 2% 8.75
Total Current Charges 446.08

So whether you get good rates or not means nothing if the price of oil goes way up!

[Control-Z]

40. I've never seen more detail

that meant less to me. I'm sure it was intended that way.

[GalleryGod]

32. Think Grey Davis made all that shit up?

[Control-Z]

41. ...

:shrug: ???

[terrya]

33. Damn....

that's horrible. :-(

[mainegreen]

34. Whhhaaaaat? BS! Unless you've got 40+ computers I'd complain!

We have a hard time breaking $50 a month here! Thats with 2 computers and a server running every day!

Are they burning redwoods or gold or something to generate power there?

[Control-Z]

39. If I complained they would

roll on the floor. It's So Cal Edison. I am soooo screwed and they know I can't do a thing about it. I am canceling the kid's cell phones today. That will absorb a little of the ouch.

[dorktv]

35. Mine is at most $110! AND we have the AC going 24/7.

with fans, computers, dvd players, fridge, lights and everything going on a lot too. :(

[Control-Z]

36. Where do you live? n/t

[dorktv]

46. I live in Tempe, Arizona and use Salt River Project for my eletricity.

We have a little coming in from solar power actually.

[AzDar]

47. We have SRP too. Just moved from Chandler to Avondale (NOT

recommended,btw)to be closer to Hubby's work. Our house in Chandler was 2500 sq. ft, with TWO heating/cooling units(two-story).
Here on the West side, our house is 1900 sq.feet (single-story)with only one unit. We were thinking we'd be saving a tidy sum on our SRP bill..
Somehow, our July bill was 40.00 MORE than we'd ever paid in Chandler!
Escalating fuel prices, maybe? I shudder to think what our former home would be costing..

[dorktv]

49. ooh icky! My house is small with one unit. Not sure on the Sq ft though.

[Ramsey]

37. WOW!

I just bought a new house in Florida, and the house is much bigger than my former house. It has three different air conditioners to cover the whole house.

The first month I moved in the electric bill was $550, and I knew I could do better than that. I turned off the AC on the second floor, because we aren't using it yet, and have the other 2 AC units at about 80 degrees, which is perfectly comfortable for me. We just open the doors & windows and get the breeze coming through in the evening anyway.

This month the electric bill was down to $350!. I'm planning to put in solar panels as soon as I can save up for it, and then maybe the electric company will be paying me.

[Kire]

42. Look at the bright side.

At least you saved a stamp.

[LSK]

43. W.T.F!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mine was $64.45. I think my power comes from a Nuclear plant. Im in the Chicago suburbs.

[LisaM]

44. You need to contact some media - LTE, call the local news

Someone needs to go confront the power company on this.

In the meantime, you can try some low-tech solutions, like covering the windows where the most sun comes in with dark material, and using a regular fan over a bowl of ice water, which kinda works. And sticking to the downstairs for a couple of weeks is good, too, plus closing the doors to rooms you don't need to air condition.

But I would still try to get the attention of some local media. If this happened to you, you probably are not alone.

[Control-Z]

45. I mentioned upthread

that the reason I know this is not a mistake is that I remember seeing something about others complaining on the news a few weeks ago. I glanced up at the tube just as they were showing a few SoCalEdison bills with numbers that were very high. $600.00 - $1100.00 range. At the time I figured these people whose bills they were showing were Beverly Hills types with pools and large homes. I had no idea they were talking about common folk.

So, the story has already run. Since then all I've heard about is another increase that is due this month. It's not much different than with gas prices, I guess. They know we'll pay for it because we can't live without it.

[LiberalHeart]

54. This doesn't prove there isn't a problem...

It just indicates that the problem may be wide spread. I started getting bills about ten times higher than they should be and I called the company ... went 'round and 'round with them. Finally paid up and shut up, then months went by and they credited my account for overpayment without a single world of explanation.

[Control-Z]

60. You know - I hadn't thought of that

I was feeling wrong for using AC at all and figured it must be my just punishment. Maybe I should call them and inquire, at least. Thanks for pointing that out.

[displacedtexan]

48. Mine is $430 this month in DC.

In a 2 story shoe box sized house.

And that's with the AC set on 72 degrees.

I don't know what's going on.

In June it was $310 and change, and I thought that was outrageous.

This is ridiculous.

[BigMama50]

50. Whoa!

How big is your house?

[querelle]

53. That Is Outrageous

I paid $44.00 for the month of June. I live in a 2,200 square foot townhouse with central A/C which was running almost non-stop that month. Of course most utilities in Canada are still regulated. My electrical utility (Hydro Ottawa) is actually government owned and heavily subsidized but still profitable. I actually got a $75.00 rebate cheque last year and will probably get another this year.

I really feel for you dancingAlone. I would have shat myself if I opened my electric bill and saw something like that. From now on, I promise to stop bitching about what I pay for utilities.

Q

[Kajsa]

56. Do I REALLY want that portable A/C

I just ordered online?!?

Hmm-- You've given me something to worry about!

Hopefully, your bills will start going DOWN!
That's one hell of an electric bill.

:hi:

[huskerlaw]

58. HOLY SHIT!

Now I'm scared to see my electric bill. :wow:

I've had my 1 bedroom apartment's a/c set at 76-78 for the past 2 months. I've basically never turned the damn thing off. Oh, and I live in the Valley, which posted temps well over 100 for a month straight.

Something tells me my bill is going to look a LOT like yours. Shit. :scared:

Although I do have LA Power and Whatever rather than SoCalEdison. I hope to god that makes a difference (a very, very large difference...).

[Control-Z]

62. I think you're all good

with LA Power from what I'm figuring out here. At least, that is how it appears - that SoCalEdison is the problem. Also I had a repair guy in today who says my AC motor needs to be replaced as well as the thermostat. Actually, he suggested the whole furnace be replaced for $3,000.00 but I'm opting for the motor and the thermostat @ $1,000.00 in light of all the money I just forked out to So Cal Edison. I guess the thermostat wasn't shutting down the motor when it should have and the motor was doing overtime trying to push air.

Still doesn't explain the rate I was charged at just about double what it was last year. I think I'm getting spanked for above baseline usage or something like that.

So, I don't think you will get a bill like mine. I sure hope not. Let me know when you get yours. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[querelle]

64. Let Us Know

What your next bill comes in at. If it's just as high, you may have a case against the utility provider.

Best of luck dancingAlone.

Q

[hedgehog]

61. What's this going to do for every small business in Southern California?

You're the second post today with an outrageous bill. Can you imagine what every small grocery store or music shop is paying? The air conditioning at the malls isn't free, someone has to pay for it. I was talking to a guy yesterday who had to close his shop and take a job elsewhere mainly because the utility bills were killing him.

[Control-Z]

65. Someone is making the big bucks off the little guy.

Nothing new. Same old crap but on the local level.

Was the guy you were talking to an Edison customer? You have to ask the question how is it that only certain power companies need to charge so much. Deregulation seems to be the factor but honestly I don't know enough about it to understand it much. I will have to look into it after I finish fixing all the problems in front of me right now. I don't operate well when I'm hot or broke both of which it appears I will be by the end of the week.

[Writer]

63. Where in the heck do you live? n/t