BGE Question (house, home inspection, vs.)

[nanlev]

Hey all,

Question, as a new Maryland resident I've been posed with a dilemma. How many of you allow BGE charge you an average usage rate each month and then re-evaluate every 3 mos VS. just paying your usage for each month?

Just wondering what is the best course. The previous owners of our home did the average usage rate with a re-evaluation every 3 mos, but I'm wondering if we're REALLY energy cautious, perhaps we can save some $$. Also, they had a larger household (well, just one kid) and on occasion used the residence as a business.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

[barante]

We have been on the monthly average plan for years. Works well for us. Nothing wrong with paying as you go. Except that during a heat wave or in the winter months you may get hit with one gigantic bill.

[carolott]

I considered doing the monthly average, but the scenario Barante descriped -- the one gigantic bill -- is what dissuaded me from switching. Ever since the furnace was replaced, the largest bill I've gotten (based on actual usage) was $130...and I think that was not the bill I just paid, but the one before. The one I just paid was $96. Our winter bills were similar. This is for a 1100 SF two story plus basement. Even though we're not using much electricity between the hours of 7 am and 4 pm, I leave the a/c low because I can't stand humidity. So I've been pleasantly surprised at how low my bills have been. In months where I use no heat or no a/c, I've gotten bills that were just under $50!

[barante]

carolott raises an important point. A year ago, when my central air started to act up, I had stopgap repairs made. Even so, the system didn't do what it had done before. So I bit the bullet last October and had the 20-year-old (?) heating and airconditioning system replaced. I've been saving money ever since. We keep the temperature in the winter at 69 (and that seems to work fine) and at 81 in the summer (if keeps the humidity out and is totally comfortable).
Your home inspection should tell you about the condition of your heating/AC. If your house needs more insulation, do it.

[JaBradshaw]

Man I hate paying my BGE bills!

[carolott]

JaBradshaw, I hate giving BGE even one thin dime.

I pay $100 a month average to run the a/c in the summer, and $400 average to run it in my cafe. Which is 1/4 THE SIZE OF MY HOUSE. Funny how that works. NOT.

[JaBradshaw]

^ I know, it's sick!