Dealing with the High Price of Electricity

There are a lot of great things to love about summer but high electricity bills is not one of them. No matter where we live it seems, there is either high temps in the summer, high humidity, or a combination of both.

I guess I am lucky that I only have to deal with high heat. My Air Conditioner kicks on somewhere around mid April and runs almost continually until October. Every time it comes on, I can only think of that meter just spinning my bill higher and higher. It is sickening!

This summer, the price of electricity has gotten so high, I can almost not afford to live in my home any more. My bills are averaging between $500 and $600 a month and that is with the a/c at 79-80 degrees on a normal basis. Plus I have unplugged things in outlets, keep the shades drawn, run things after 8pm, and anything else I can do to lower my usage.

We have looked into solar but have not found a good option yet. I have had electricians out to my house looking for issues; we do have one but not that it will effect much. I had my air conditioner unit serviced and cleaned. Nothing is helping!

I think it is so sad that there are no options for other suppliers of electric so that means there is no competition and the companies can just keep raising rates until we are at a breaking point. At what time do we call it quits? How can people afford the horrific rates? I need a third or fourth job just to pay my electric and gas bill. I think it is time we sell and move!

I know there are places around the US that have somewhat decent rates where folks are not raped by the high cost of power. What options do we have? We have to have power. I have cut back everywhere I can. The only thing let to do is fill in my pool, and trust me, I have thought about it.

What methods do you use to keep your electric or power usage under control? Are you in the same boat as I am? Or have you considered options like direct energy free nights to save on your electricity costs?