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Old 09-04-2011, 06:51 PM
 
19 posts, read 69,313 times
Reputation: 14

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So we finally got our 'smart' meter (grumble grumble) and it's registering a usage of approximately 3000 kwh for a ten day period. We have a pool, two AC units, and work from home. We keep thermostats in a 4000 sq ft home at 78 upstairs and 79 downstairs, home built in 1984, with insulation in attic but not sure what type. Previous readings with our old smart meter that melted showed consumption of anywhere from 1500-1900 kwh a month when the average daily temp was 93 or so. Bills before the new smart meter were installed averaged around $200 with a rate at $.07/per kwh. Nothing in our consumption routine has changed, except the weather has gotten hotter (obviously our A/C has to keep up a bit longer).

Our first bill with the new meter registered a usage of 6600 kwh, for a grand total of $745.

What in the world would make consumption go up 3000kwh in ten days??? Is it the new meter? Would the hot weather make that much of a difference? If so, where can I find more data?

At the current rate, we'll be charged close to $1000 for next month's bill! I've called Reliant and they're no help. Center Point offices are closed. Oh, and CenterPoint charged us a service fee of $45 to come out and replace the meter that melted. Talk about lousy customer service.

But in the meantime, besides turning AC up higher, turning pool pump off, not working from home, burning candles, and not cooking indoors, what can we do to lower this astronomical figure? We just repaired our foundation so getting new AC units/changing out insulation in the attic will have to wait for a couple of months or more.

Am I way off base thinking this is insane, or is this actually not that uncommon?

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Old 09-04-2011, 07:47 PM
 
Location: Westbury
3,283 posts, read 6,089,426 times
Reputation: 2952
the smartmeters are supposed to be more accurate so the theory is your old meter was way underrepresenting your actual usage. that being said a lot of people have complaints about supposed meters not reading correctly.

large house, pool, 2 ACs, record heat and you keep your house on both floors pretty cool - yeah your bill will be high

there are quite a few threads about people who have complained about the meters. maybe a search can show what they did to get the technicians to come out or if they were successful in getting their bills lowered
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