"AZ Nomad" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:10:07 -0500, Tony wrote:
Pete C. wrote:
Van Chocstraw wrote:
I noticed that I used 237 kilowatts last month but only used 140
kilowatts a year ago last month. I don't do anything different from
last
year than this year.

Analyze your loads. Space heaters, laundry loads, cooking / baking,
degree days, etc.

What kind of heat? Was it colder than normal?

a bad fridge or heatpump can really drive up the electric bill if it
is always running. Don't worry about the little stuff like clocks
chargers, etc.; they don't use enough to matter. About the only
always-on device that can be a pig is a cable box or computer.
A blocked duct on an electric clothes dryer can also cause it to
use much more power per load. Ditto for a washer that does a lousy
job spin drying.

Good observations about cable boxes and poor spin drying.
Those cable boxes are weird -- I can't imagine what makes those things run
so goddamm hot.
Heat = $$.
Seems to be symbolic of the cable ripoff in general. As soon as I can get
that cable needle out of my arm, I'm kicking the addiction. I'll be doing
a lot of tree climbing, to get a nice high antenna.

I also wonder what shennanigans the power companies might be pulling with
these effing remote-read digital meters.
Seems they can tack on an extra 10,20,30,100 kWhrs with a mouseclick, if
they want to -- free money.
--
EA