You can do something about how you and your family use energy. A big, first step is tracking current energy consumption.
Meter Reading Dates
A factor that enters into higher than normal electric bills is the number of days between meter readings. Check the number of days in your billing cycle and the average number of kilowatt-hours used per day to make accurate comparisons. Many people often overlook this important consideration.
It’s important to read your meter on the same day of each month. If you notice that your usage has increased substantially from one month to the next for no apparent reason, you will be able to diagnose equipment failure sooner.
Is the Meter Accurate?
The electric meter is often accused of inaccuracy, but it’s seldom the culprit. Your meter does not lie. When it records more electricity being used, try to find out why by looking at your family’s activities during that period…was the weather warmer or colder than normal? Was it a washday? See what activities, if any, can be altered to use energy more wisely.
The meter is a finely calibrated, highly accurate device used to measure power use. Your electric cooperative has a continuing program to test the accuracy of all its meters to assure that you are being billed for the exact number of kilowatt-hours used. All meters are tested on a regular basis. Historical data bears out the fact that in more than 99% of the cases, the electric meter is accurate. High bills are almost always traced to other causes.