Why Is My Electric Bill So High?
There are very few moments as cringeworthy as opening an unexpectedly high utility bill. “How could it possibly be this high?” you may wonder. “Are my meters even working right?” “I don’t use that much energy!” We get it. We are consumers, too, and understand just how frustrating it can be.
So, why exactly do energy bills cost so much in the winter months? Why does it seem to be even worse than usual this year? Is there anything that can be done? These are really great questions. In this short article, let’s address some of these queries and answer the most important question of all: “What can I do to lower my energy costs?”
ELECTRIC HEAT PUMPS
Air source heat pumps are very popular in multifamily communities and, although they can be efficient when the weather is moderate, cold temperatures can make these units much less effective. That’s because heat pumps don’t create heat by burning fossil fuels the way a natural gas furnace does. Instead, they use a process that uses heat from the outside air to warm the inside of your unit. Once the outside air drops below a certain temperature (typically, about 28 degrees depending on the unit), the heat pump becomes much less efficient and a supplemental heat setting (often referred to as emergency heat or e-heat) kicks in. Supplemental heating is almost always very inefficient and expensive. On really cold days, supplement heat may provide a lion’s share of the warm air in your unit and that’s not good for your bill.
YOUR UNIT
There are many variables in multifamily living that can impact your bill. The size of your unit matters, of course, but so does its location. Do you share walls with neighboring units or do you have a corner unit that’s exposed to the outside air? Does your unit face the sun in the afternoons or evenings? If so, the extra sunlight might offer warmth to your residence on sunny winter days (but it might make it more expensive to cool during the summer). Even your habits matter. For example, if your water is heated with electricity, long, hot showers can run up your usage.
EXTREME WEATHER
The weather can have a profound impact on your energy bills. Extreme weather, like the brutally cold temperatures experienced in the Midwest at Christmas time, can require your heating system to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature.
MY BILL IS HIGH. YOU MUST BE CHARGING ME MORE.
NEP actually charges less than or equal to the residential rate of the local utility for the same usage in accordance with NEP’s service agreements. So, how can I lower my bill? Any appliance in your unit that uses electricity contributes to your total usage and your bill is primarily derived based on your usage. So, look for efficiencies wherever possible. Use energy-efficient light bulbs and turn off lights when you’re not using them. If possible lower your unit’s water temperature and wash clothes and dishes at cooler temperatures when possible. Supplemental heating and cooling units (window and tower fans, space heaters, etc.) may be helpful, but also use electric power so be aware of their efficiency.
ARE MY METERS WORKING CORRECTLY?
We employ state-of-the-art smart meters (the same used by major utilities across the country) that provide many readings over the course of a day. These usage readings are monitored and reviewed regularly for their veracity. Additionally, every meter that is delivered to NEP has gone through a rigorous testing process before it even leaves the factory and every shipment of meters NEP receives comes with a full set of those test results.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
NEP’s resident website offers many useful resources including a page with conservation tips. You will also find many respected resources online providing other energy-saving tips. Our resident support specialists are also available to work with you Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm EST at 877-818-2637 or via email at ResidentSupport@NationwideEnergyPartners.com