On Monday, July 17, the city of Phoenix, Arizona tied a near half-century record when they experienced 18 consecutive days with temperatures over 110 degrees. For those looking to see this heat wave from a “glass is half-full” perspective, the temperature dipped to a cool 95 degrees overnight.
2,500 miles away in New York City, we don’t have triple-digit heat, but we are experiencing higher than normal humidity, which puts air conditioners into overdrive and causes higher than normal Con Edison bills. But higher electric bills can’t be blamed on air conditioning alone.
If reports in The New York Post are correct, those bills are about to get higher. The electric utility monopoly is pushing the state Public Service Commission to approve controversial plans to boost electricity bills by several percentage points each year through 2025. So, a monthly electricity bill of $83.50 last year could jump to $87 this year if the Commission greenlights the 3.8% increase as ConEd proposed.
What’s Causing My Energy Bill to Skyrocket?
There can be a lot of reasons why your energy bill is higher than expected. Understanding factors like billing cycles or out-of-date appliances can help you identify the cause and potentially take steps to reduce your energy consumption. Here are five possible reasons why your Con Edison bill might be high:
1. Increased Energy Usage: OK, this one is obvious. Maybe you recently got new appliances or if your usage patterns have changed. In the summer months, you’re probably running energy-intensive devices, like air conditioners longer durations which can significantly impact your bill.
2. Outdated Appliances: Older appliances can consume a lot of energy without you knowing. An old refrigerator, malfunctioning water heater, or even an HVAC system with a dirty filter can all contribute to increased energy use and subsequently lead to a higher bill.
3. Uninsulated Spaces: Bad insulation can cause your air conditioner to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to increased energy usage and higher bills. Consider insulating your home to improve energy efficiency.
4. Billing Boo Boos: Nobody’s perfect! Billing errors sometimes happen, resulting in inaccurate meter readings or calculations that are flat out incorrect. If your bill looks high, double-check it to ensure the accuracy of the readings and the charges applied. If you think you see an error, contact Con Edison to address the issue.
5. Time-of-Use Rates: Some houses are enrolled in billing plans where the cost of electricity varies depending on the time of day. If you are on this type of plan with Con Ed, be aware of peak and off-peak hours, and adjust your energy use accordingly to avoid higher rates during peak times.
There are several other small measures that you can take to lower your energy bills. If you’re a loyal reader of this blog, you’ve learned about the menace of phantom power, where electronics and household appliances with programmable features, remote controls, clocks, or timers draw power all day when they’re plugged in. We’ve also published two blog posts titled “Seven Habits of Highly Effective Energy Savers” and its follow-up piece “An Energy-Saving Sequel” – both dedicated to offering simple solutions that can reduce energy consumption.
Are you ready for an energy savings in your residential or commercial space? Look no further than PK Electric NYC. Our experienced team of electricians offers a wide range of electrical services, from residential electrical repairs to commercial electrician services. We specialize in upgrading your electrical system, ensuring optimal efficiency and reduced energy consumption. Additionally, we provide expert “electrical health check” services to ensure that you’re wiring and panel is up to date. With our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, PK Electric NYC is your trusted partner for all your electrical needs.
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