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meschaefer

One to Ignore
Location
Astoria
Rating - 100%
30   0   0
I new it was high, I just didn't know how much. I actually hesitated to post, as I wasn't sure that I wanted to know. I have been picking my equipment, partially on efficiency lately, and was trying to figure out if I am really making a difference.

I quickly ran the numbers and every 6 watts you can shave off an item that runs 24/7 will save you $1 a month. So far I have changed my skimmer pumps and power heads for decreasing usage by 45 watts running 24/7, for a grand savings of $11.25 a month. Not bad, but I will wait for my current return pump to die before replacing it.
 

Domboski

No Coral Here
Location
Montclair, NJ
Rating - 100%
237   0   0
I have taken down wattage too but then I upgrade my lights! .23/kw is rediculous! Can't really do anything about it though at this point but be as efficient as possible.

Lights and refrigeration are the number one offenders according to ConEd.
 

meschaefer

One to Ignore
Location
Astoria
Rating - 100%
30   0   0
I have taken down wattage too but then I upgrade my lights! .23/kw is rediculous! Can't really do anything about it though at this point but be as efficient as possible.

Lights and refrigeration are the number one offenders according to ConEd.


I have also, changed over all the light bulbs in my house to compact flourescent bulbs.
 

leoskee

Senior Member
Rating - 100%
11   0   0
I cant believe that I have to pay the gas company a delivery charge. What the hell are they delivering? Back in the day you had to pay for oil to be delivered. How do they deliver electricity?

Its a scam I tell ya. Just like the phone companies used to charge everyone a tax of about $1.25 that was from a bill passed by congress in the early 1900's. It wasnt changed until last year. Everyone had the charge removed from their accounts but a new charge was applied. Some sort of recovery fee. Mine is $1.24. Go figure!
 

masterswimmer

Old School Reefer
Vendor
Location
NY
Rating - 99.6%
450   2   0
I cant believe that I have to pay the gas company a delivery charge. What the hell are they delivering? Back in the day you had to pay for oil to be delivered. How do they deliver electricity?

Its a scam I tell ya. Just like the phone companies used to charge everyone a tax of about $1.25 that was from a bill passed by congress in the early 1900's. It wasnt changed until last year. Everyone had the charge removed from their accounts but a new charge was applied. Some sort of recovery fee. Mine is $1.24. Go figure!


Utility companies are providing two services. Obviously they produce electricity. They also deliver that electricity through their power lines. The distinction is not always obvious. However, we are all allowed to buy our electricity through other sources (called a supplier). The rates vary from supplier to supplier (utility company's also publish their rates as well).

If you are diligent enough, you can find a supplier that will sell you their electricity less expensive than your utility company. The problem is, the supplier doesn't own the power lines to get the electricity you just bought, to you. Therefore, the supplier utilizes the power lines provided by the utility company and you pay the utility company a fee, based on your kwh used, to deliver the electricity to you through their power lines.

The total cost of supplier charge (the actual electricity) plus the utility charge (the delivery fee) can and does work out cheaper (very often) than buying your electricity from your utility company.

Regulations a few years ago made this scenario possible. Prior to it, the utility companies were legal monopolies. This was a way to allow the consumer to 'shop' for electicity the same way you shop for gas for your car or oil for your boiler.

Hopefully regulations will be passed to do the same for cable tv. I know I'm stuck with the only company that services my area. I'd like to comparison shop, but I'm not allowed.

FYI, this explanation in no way, shape or form endorses the exhorbitant fees I get billed for my electric either. However, my kwh seems to be less than you guys.

swimmer
 

GQ22

Senior Member
Location
Jersey City
Rating - 100%
29   0   0
Dont know much about kwh but my electric is about 125 a month for a 850 one bed room average apt. running 3x250watt halides, 7 hours a day, 4x54watt actinics 11 hours a day, panworld 150 return pump, 15 watt night cycle fuge light, and ati bubble master 250 with pumps totaling around 50 watts.

Standard tv use and light use, nothing crazy.
 

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