Can an electric bill increase 8 times just from increased air conditioning?

Question

I live in an approximately 800 square foot apartment. We have central air and have been using it since may or june. Up until this month all of our electric bills were between 50 and 60 dollars. This month our bill was 480 dollars. We went from using 500 units to using 3600 units.

I want to know if that is even possible.

Our electric company double checked the read to make sure it was accurate, but assures me that the meter could not measure innaccurately. Is that true?

Is there anything else I can do about it?

Answer 1

We have a 2000+ sq ft house with central a/c.  Our highest bill hasn't been over $170 and we run the a/c constantly and that was with some record heat days of 100 plus.  Plus we're on the utility with the highest prices in our area.  Your situation sounds suspicious.

Answer 2

Yes, this happens to us every summer. The only thing you can do is try to use the a/c less AND turn off any appliances and computer monitors and CPU with LCD lights. That means they're using electricity. In fact, you can actually save money by keeping your computer set up off whenever you are not using it instead of using stand by mode. Also you can unplug your microwave if you have one. That sucks up an amazing amount of electricity even when it's just plugged in and not in use! Oh, and the television? Turn it off whenever you're not actually watching it. Letting it run in the background is another electricity sucker.

Answer 3

Well your problem could stem from the a.c. unit itself.  It may need to be checked out.  A faulty condenser will likely lead to more Kilowatt usage.  Your meter can be inaccurate.  Check with the utility company and request a test of the meter itself.  This usually consists of a separate metering device connected in series with your meter that is now in place.  It is left in place for one billing cycle and then compared.  If this is not possible, I would demand a new meter.  That could be an item you end up paying for.  $ 200-300.  One last idea.  Is it possible some other tenant could have access to wires in an attic? Good luck with your future battle.

Answer 4

Sounds to me like you have experienced a common problem. Many utility companies will save money by estimating your usage for several months so that they don't have to pay as many meter readers. When they finally do read your meter and they have under estimated, you get stuck paying for it in one month instead of it being somewhat higher over several months. I would suggest you call the company and inquire as to whether this is their practice. If they admit to it, you may get them to allow you to split the payment to help you out if it's a problem.

Oh, I almost forgot. Many power companies charge a higher rate in the summer because of higher demand. Are they charging you the higher rate for power you used before the rate increased?

Answer 5

Whoa!   Something sounds wrong!  Unless the outside heat went like way! way ! up!  Is it possible that the electric company was estimating bills for the last few months and then hit you with a "make up" bill?  I live in Indianapolis and our Water Co. does that.  

I'd sure get the electric folks out to see if there is a problem with the meter.  My son used to read electric meters when he was in college.  

They are generally pretty accurate.  Actually, I once had an electric meter at a rental house that spun at about 4 times what it should be spinning.  My son spotted the problem.  He often spotted meters that were turning faster than power was being used. IPL did not like his turning those meters in to be looked at!  It was very few meters that were malfunctioning, but for the homeowners it was a really big deal!

I'd sure get the power company out again for this.

P.S.  I know all the ways to get around the electric meter!  If you have a digital meter and you install it upside down, it will go backwards!

(DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME, KIDS!)  

Answer 6

Well, AC units, especially central air, are notorious power hogs... so depending on how lower your thermostat is set, and how often you had the AC turned on, yeah it can make a pretty dramatic difference.  Although at 8 times your average bill, I might be a little suspicious that some other appliance might be contributing.