Steve IA wrote in
:

xposted: alt.energy.homepower,alt.home.repair.misc.rural

Our average electricity usage for the last 6 years for December is 653
kwh with a range of 120. December 07 our usage was 682 kwh. This
would not have been unusual except for the fact that, due to an ice
storm, we had NO electricity for 6.5 days. Billing cycle per the bill
was 31 days. I was expecting a bill 20% lower than the average bill
and was dismayed when it was actually higher. So far this month of
January, we are using at the about average rate (22kwh/day) as we did
in December, the only odd thing is that we had NO power of nearly a
week in December. I've spoken with a few neighbors who also lost
power and 'come to think of it' their bill went up or didn't go down
as much as they would have expected for a 20-25% time of no usage. I
ask the REC and they said we 'just used more'. They also tried to
blame 'recovery usage'. I'm not buying it. They claim they didn't
estimate the bill and when I received the bill I immediately checked
and the meter reading seemed in line with normal. I'm talking KWH her
not $$ which can be affected by rate changes, surcharge and taxes etc.

Facts:
During the ice storm we used a gas generator intermittently during the
daylight to power the freezer, tv, occasional PC and a few lights .
We relied 100% on wood heat, never falling below 60F.
For the entire billing period we did nothing that we can think of
unusual that would increase the consumption over the previous
December. No extra Xmas lights, no 'recovery' usage after power
restoration other than 1 refrigerator .
Normal is LP furnace supplemented by high efficiency wood fireplace.
Gas water heater and stove.
Elec clothes dryer.
1 powered outbuilding.
We live ¼ mile away from nearest neighbor so no chance of somebody
running an extension cord and stealing from us.

After receiving the bill, I shut the power off below the meter and it
quit turning. We've done some other testing by turning off house
circuit breakers and watching the meter but have isolated nothing
unusual yet. With all house breakers off the meter stops. I have
purchase a Kill-a -Watt and have begun looking for the energy thief.

In VT, you call and they will lend you one for a month for free. They
even provide a return box all labeled and postpaid. Requires credit card
so they can charge you if you fail to return.

I've found nothing yet, although the KAW is fun and interesting.

Where would the electricity go?
When reconnecting the lines, can a 'surge' spin the meter forward?
Previously we had 2 lines coming into our neighborhood, both lines
fell but only 1 was reconnected to restore power. Can this have any
bearing? What am I missing?
What other testing can I do?

Your thoughts and comments appreciated.

Steve IA