Sunday, March 8, 2015

Is your electric bill too high?


My electric bill last month was $58.58.  I don't think that's unreasonable.  I saw no increase in my bills this winter because I buy my electricity through eNH Power and had a 20 month contract for coal free electricity at 8.7 cents per KWH.  
Did you know that only 50% of Residential Customers have taken advantage of deregulation to buy their electricity from competitive suppliers?  You can learn about suppliers at the PUC website.  http://www.puc.nh.gov/Consumer/Residential%20Suppliers.html  The deals aren't very good right now, though Fairpoint has an 8 month fixed contract for 100% renewable energy for about 9 cents per KWh.  The prices will get better later this year, so don't rush into a purchase right now.  The other thing that helps me keep my bill low is that most of our appliances and lights are energy efficient and we use motion detector LED nightlights on our stairs and in hallways. 
The cheapest electricity are the KWh you don't use.  Visit NHSAVES.org for tips on how to conserve energy and consider signing up for an energy audit.
As a matter of full disclosure; I am opposed to the building of significant Natural Gas infrastructure in New Hampshire.  Because of that, I have been accused of "Wanting people to pay more for electricity," or being a "greenie liberal."  I think otherwise.  I think that helping people conserve energy and invest in tomorrow's technology is a true Conservative value.  Former Congressman Charlie Bass agrees with me on this subject: http://www.sentinelsource.com/opinion/columnists/guest/undoing-key-laws-to-preserve-energy-is-a-bad-move/article_b2698970-7c1d-5f46-89a3-14f7beef1c6f.html
So does the US Military:  http://www.theburdenfilm.com/