Southern CA Electric SCE Customers Please Advise (apartment, renter)

[dreamfollower]

I am new to CA and would like to ask ~

For an all-electric 1300 sf condo (single level/standard ceiling height):
Single occupant
No washer/dryer
Do not use dishwasher
Very little oven/range use per week
New moderate sized Energy Star Refrigerator (hardly half full)
No TV
Use computer almost all day
No stereo/radio

What should my bill look like for the months of Feb - Present? (Have not used AC, just heat from 11:00PM-6:00AM set @ 72degrees and I only turn one light on in the evening only in the room I am occupying, and do not leave any exterior lights on at all. No exterior or interior light remains on during the overnight hours.)

The last 3-bills have been over $200.00 per month. Have had SCE check meter - they say it is working properly. Can the Water Heater temp be the culprit (I am a renter and the WH was previously set) or could there still be something wrong with the meter and/or something else I have not thought of?

Thanks.

[Fontucky]

Electric heat and water heating are killing you. I once had a home with an electric water heater. I slashed my bill by at least 35% by replacing it with a gas heater.

By the way, a half-full fridge isn't as efficient as a full one.

EDIT TO ADD: Electricity is just damn expensive around here. That's the bottom line. If you came from a low cents-per-Kw usage area, that will be a bitter pill to swallow. I know one thing, the last type of home I'd want to live in here in the SCE service area would be an all-electric home. I use gas for water heating, cooking, heat and clothes drying, and I'm ~$10 per month. But I never use my heaters, so I guess that doesn't count.

[dreamfollower]

I guess I will be looking for another rental next January because I feel like a pauper to have to be afraid to use hot water and some heat in the winter. What the heck is a bill like for usage by an entire family, plus A/C when the summer is here????? This is slavish. It's un-American!

My plan - I am not using hot water anymore, I am having the temp of the WH lowered as much as possible, and I am buying fans to accommodate the summer months so that the A/C is used very sparingly.

I have also heard many complaints about the new Smart Meter, which may also be contributing to this.

Live and learn.

[LDH]

Yep, it's the electricity that is doing it. We paid those prices 20 years ago when we lived in a 2-bedroom apartment with 2 children under 3 years old. Never again will I live in an all electric dwelling.

[bouncethelight]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

By the way, a half-full fridge isn't as efficient as a full one.

Everyone should have some big bottles of water stored, in case of an emergency - so just stick a few in your refrigerator to fill in the empty spots!

Originally Posted by dreamfollower

Have not used AC, just heat from 11:00PM-6:00AM set @ 72degrees

Heat is probably the easiest area to cut back, and it's definitely the most expensive item on your list. Just put an extra blanket on your bed, and keep the heat set to 65 while you're sleeping. Most people actually sleep better in colder air, as long as they have enough blankets to keep warm. Then when you get up, turn up the heat for an hour or so, if you really find you need it.

Personally I use the heater maybe three months of the year, and usually only in the evening, while I'm watching TV or reading. Once I go to bed, it's off. And I sleep late - so the sun is usually up before I am, and warmed up the air enough, that i rarely turn on the heat during the day. When I used to get up at 5AM, then I definitely used the heat in the morning - so there are definitely benefits to sleeping in a little!

[Gandalara]

Agree with the "fill up the refrigerator/freezer" suggestion and the "turn down the heat while sleeping" suggestion.

The bill amount also depends on your city - some cities add utility taxes of up to 10%.

[tomfirst]

Just keep the fridge filled with beer, then, when when it gets too cold with the electric heat off, grab a six pack and visit one of your neighbors apt to warm up for awhile. Take your laptop with you and plug it into their outlets while you are sharing the beer. Suggest TV shows you like.

[Dub D]

I like how you conserve everything except using the heater for 1/3 of the day. You know what doesn't cost anything after you buy it? Blankets, invest in blankets.

[Newfies]

1600 sq. ft. house
no running air cond./heater
gas stove
no running dishwasher
washer/gas dryer
no TV
on computer good part of day
House has gas / electric. and is single story
electric bill avg. $35 a month.
gas bill(depends on how much cooking/hot showers) $15 to $25

hope this is helpful comparison.

[steelstress]

If you have an electric water heater, you can buy a water heater timer that you install on the water heater and you set the time for it to actually heat. That way, it's not on all the time.

Here's one... or just check out your local big box home store.

Amazon.com: Intermatic WH21 Electric Water Heater Timer: Home Improvement