I live in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath older home in the country. Ever since I've moved in 2 years ago my electric bill has been $400-600 a month. This month it was $600 and we haven't used AC or heat (even though we have to use gas and I haven't ordered any this year). We have well water and I had someone come check the water and there were no issues. Can someone help me figure this out?
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Do call the electric company, and tell them you want your meter checked. Ask about any fees associated with having this done. Another reason could be that neighbors, or something else on property is robbing electricity from you, and youre paying the bill for it. Maybe someone is running an extension cord from an outbuilding? Were you previously on a percentage of income plan with your company? If you elect to do that, you are eventually responsible for the entire unpaid balance. If the company comes and checks your meter and determines that there isnt a problem they will charge you a fee, for my company its about $100-$200 but thats just a drop in the bucket compared to a $600 monthly bill!
Something just isnt right, and it could be a number of issues, but having the meter checked would be a good first step. If thats not the problem I would contact an electrician. Also, you dont specify whether you are buying, or renting. But if you rent, it is your landlords responsibility to figure out, and remedy the problem.
To double check, your electric bill is per month cycle? It is where I live and $400-600 is definitely not normal especially for just 2 bedroom/1 bath.
Do you have any neighbors you could compare your bill to theres? I would contact the electric company and ask them about your electricity on why it is so expensive especially if you're not running A/C or Heat.
Assuming you do not wash loads and loads of laundry and dryer all day or something and never turn off the lights and what not. But, yes it would be wise to get your electric figured out! Good luck. :)
I agree that I would ask some of the neighbors about how high their electric bills are because that sure seems very high for such a small place.
I would also suggest paying a visit to the electric company and find someone to discuss this high cost with. They may have some ideas for you to check before you have to pay a big fee for someone to pay a visit.
Since it is an older home you may have old wires and that may be part of your problem but replacing wiring is costly so whether you are buying or renting would make that something to consider.
If you are renting then you should discuss these high bills with the landlord as that is part of their responsibility also.
It is possible there is a problem that is also an unsafe feature that you are not aware of.
Last resort would be to have an electrician check your house and give you an estimate of what it will cost to fix the problem.
When you bought, did the Realtor share previous bills with you? That is standard where I am. If not, perhaps the Realtor can see if the previous owner had issues (a long shot after 2 years, but it could help you get closer to finding the issue).
is it possible the electric company did not take your previous property off your bill and you are being billed for services at a previous residence and your new residence? Stranger things have happened.
Do you have a use grid on your bill showing when they see peak usage? If it is while you are not home, that could give you more info.
Do you have outdoor outlets? Is it possible someone is hooking up to this when you are not home?
I love solving mysteries so I can't wait to hear what you learn. Please post back. Hope it is something super easy and it gets resolved. If it is their fault--like a bad meter, I would hope they would make it right for you.
Good luck!
I would have someone come out and check the meter. It could be broken
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