So we got our bill in the mail the other day and we are now seeing the impact of the rate increase - with the same amount used in kwh in the past two months our bill was up by almost $40. While $40 does not sound like much in one shot - that $40 month after month could add up (in one year thats over $2000!!!)
So now here we are re-evaluating what we use, and re-evaluating how we can reduce our use. We have already replaced most of our common bulbs with CFL bulbs, but what are the next steps.
1. unplug constant drain items when not in use (i.e. the radio w/clock, the coffee maker with clock...really how many clocks do we need)
2. I am considering investing in a bunch of power strips so that we can easily disconnect T.V.s and associated electronics without having to unplug everything
3. We are hoping that when Dan is done with school we will see another decrease - instead of us in two different rooms, on two different computers, and sometimes with two different TVs going - we will be together at night, and in the same room
4. Reduce TV use - really does it need to be on when I am typing and working on my computer?! (FYI - I just shut it off ;)
I am really hopeful that we can bring it down - the hardest hurdle is that we are heading into the darker portion of the year so lights will be on more, but in the long run one or two lamps are not as significant as some of the other big draw items.
All that said - I am going to maintain this particular post and list our kwh per month. Our billing month is from the 14th - 13th (i.e 7/14 - 8/13) and I will post using the ending date. I am including everything from 2008 so I can really see where we were and if we truly are making progress
1/13: 926
2/13: 666
3/13: 548
4/13: 662
5/13: 623
6/13: 505
7/13: 574
8/13: 571
9/13: 456
