| What impacts
your bill month to month?
Your billing amount can vary month
to month for several reasons. Here are some guidelines
to help you understand why your bill can fluctuate
so dramatically.
› |
Your bill is read
on or about the same day every month, however,
changing month lengths and holidays can cause each
monthly billing cycle to vary in the number of
days it covers from 27 days to up to 35 days. Look
at your average daily usage to see if your consumption
has changed or if the billing cycle is different. |
› |
Weather has a big impact on
your bill. Cold winter months and hot summer months
prompt more power usage. We have energy tip brochures
available to curb your usage and help you save
on your bill. |
› |
Family members all contribute
differently to electric consumption and the number
of people in your home reflects in your usage.
For example, customers will see a change in their
bill when their college age children are home for
the summer. Also, guests in your home means more
lights in use, more hot water consumed and more
appliances in operation. |
› |
Hot tubs and swimming pool pumps
can be big energy users. If your hot tub or pump
is not on a separate meter from your house meter,
pay attention to what months these systems are
in use, as they will surely have an impact on your
bill. |
› |
When a large appliance such
as a freezer, second refrigerator or hot water
tank is added to your existing appliances, your
electric bill will go up. When buying new appliances,
make sure they are energy efficient by using the
yellow energy guide to compare yearly energy costs.
(If you replace an existing appliance, buying an
energy-efficient model will usually decrease your
energy usage.) |
› |
Fires are cozy during the cold
winter months, but can show up on your bill if
you leave the electric resistance heat on at the
same time. The open fireplace damper is like leaving
a hidden window wide open. Since warm air loves
to rise up and out, your electric resistance heat
has to make up for that escaped air causing an
increase in your power use. |
› |
Pay attention to months where
you’re home more often than usual. Holiday
months or months with five week-ends will show
more electric usage – the more time you spend
at home, the more electricity you will use on laundry,
cooking and leisure activities. |
› |
You may notice an increase in
your bill when you bring home that special new
addition to the family. Mom and dad will keep the
house warmer for the delicate baby than they normally
would for themselves. |
› |
Forgetting to set back your
thermostat when you are away can also affect your
bill. It takes less energy to reheat your home
from the set-back temperature than for your heating
system to maintain 70°F during your absence.
Call Benton PUD at 582-1266 for temperature recommendations
and advice on thermostat operation. |
› |
Lastly, there could be a problem
in your home. The energy experts at Benton PUD
can help you figure out if you have a problem.
Call for more details – 582-1234 or in Prosser
786-7807 ext. 243. |
If you think your consumption of
power is higher than normal even after accounting for
higher rates and the cold weather, consider the following
common causes of higher-than-normal power use.
|
