Far be it from me to not admit when I’m wrong (’cause, you know, that so seldom happens).

You will all remember a recent post wherein I complained about an unusually high electric bill.  As it turns out, that bill wasn’t outrageous after all.

This month’s bill was slightly lower and more in line with what I would expect during summer weather when air conditioners are running non-stop.  So, I decided to do a little historical research, and I’m  confident that I can now explain why this year’s electrical charges are higher than last year’s:

Yes, the electric company did put through a significant increase (I’ve been told it was a 65% rise in delivery charges).  While I still think that’s simply corporate greed, at least it explains the majority of my higher electrical costs.

I’ve also learned that the new smart meters also increase the bill slightly because they run on the house’s electrical system.  I suspect that’s more corporate greed.  There really was nothing wrong with the older meters.

But probably most significant is the fact that at this time last year, I was still working.  So, four days out of the week, nothing was running at home except for one small window air conditioner to keep Puppy Cody from suffering.  This year, there is a computer running all day, a few lights, one or two ACs, and (of course) the toaster oven and microwave are being used more often – plus, since I’m home, there’s more use of other electrical appliances like the washer/dryer*, the TV, and the little electric floor scrubber (an awesome gadget – no need to get down on those hands and knees anymore!).

*For you nitpickers – as I stated in my last post, hubby does most of the laundry these days but there are still certain items that I prefer to handle myself.

Oh, and the new recliner that we bought after my broken ribs incident is also electric.  And, I now need to charge my phone at home instead of using the electricity at work.

So, all in all, an electric bill that’s $50 higher this year than it was for the same month last year is not unreasonable.  It’s just an additional cost I failed to consider when I retired, but it won’t kill me.

I admit I was wrong in my earlier post.  Enjoy it – such an admission is unlikely to occur again because I’m almost never wrong.  Right?  Whether you agree or not, it’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Hugs, all.

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I love to hear from my readers. You may comment on this post or email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com
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