Higher than Average Bill?
Your electric bill can fluctuate for a variety of reasons. Before you contact United Power about your high bill, look into these possible reasons that may explain why your bill was higher than average:
United Power’s billing cycles do not exactly correspond with the calendar months, so cycle lengths can vary. Sometimes holidays and meter reading schedules can shorten or extend a billing cycle. Look carefully at your bill to determine if the number of days you were billed was higher this month.
When extreme weather conditions exist outside, the temperature inside is adjusted. During the hottest months of the summer and the coldest months of the winter, our members often increase their energy use. Even if you did not adjust the temperature on your thermostat, colder or warmer than average weather probably had your system working overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.
Check out our Energy Saving Tips for more information on heating and cooling efficiently.
Have you been running a space heater? The cost of operating an electric space heater can add up quickly. Learn more here.
When looking at your electric bill, consider any recent purchases or upgrades that may be drawing additional power in your home.
Between the onset of smart technologies, electric vehicles and other electronics and gadgets, we are becoming more "plugged in" each year. Newer electronics are also becoming more energy efficient, and upgrading can result in immediate energy savings. Newer, high-definition LED TVs use a fraction of the electricity older liquid-crystal displays (LCD) and plasma screens do. And don't forget about DVD/Blu-ray players, digital cable boxes, Wi-Fi modems and sound systems. When shopping for new electronics around the home, look for the yellow EnergyGuide label to compare annual estimated energy use to buy the most energy efficient model for your home. Also, look for ENERGY STAR® certified electronics.
Electronics aren’t the only culprits either. Home upgrades may also be adding to your electric bill. Hot tubs, water features and fountains often surprise homeowners when they learn how much electricity they really use.
Also consider how much time you are spending at home. When the kids are out of school during the summer, they may operate the TV longer during the day, or when the whole family is at home for the holidays, your energy usage may increase.
The efficiency of household appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers has dramatically increased over the past few years. However, older appliances in your home may be losing efficiency, or a needed repair may be what’s drawing more power.
Just a small leak in your water heater could make your water heater work overtime as it refills and continuously reheats. That old refrigerator in your garage may be worth turning off if it’s not being put to good use. If it’s time to shop for new household appliances, choose those that have earned the government’s ENERGY STAR® rating. United Power also offers rebates on select electric appliances.
Members often ask us if their higher than average electric bill could be due to a meter that is malfunctioning. Meter malfunction is rarely the reason your electric bill rises. In fact, your meter is actually your greatest tool in helping track down inefficient or malfunctioning appliances. An Energy Management Expert can show you how to read your meter and evaluate your monthly usage to determine what’s making the biggest impact on your electric bill. Contact one of our experts today by calling 303-637-1300.
Flip the switch. Lower the blinds. Insulate your attic. Lower the temperature on your thermostat. These sound like simple tasks. Take all of these steps around your home or business, though, and you can rack up big savings.
Our experts are here to make sure you're getting the most out of your energy. Over the years, United Power's energy management specialists have helped members discover significant savings opportunities worth hundreds of dollars per year. Contact our team at 303-637-1300 or click the link below to schedule a phone assessment.