Could this be a billing fluke?

Author: messy

9 Jun

I just got my electric bill and it’s only $102! I’ve never seen it that low before. Normally I’m happy if my electric bill is under $300. Now I’m wondering if the meter reader made a mistake? In April my bill was $218. I haven’t changed any appliances.

Since I started my debt reduction plan, I’ve been going around making sure lights are off and getting on my kids about turning lights off. I’ve also been line drying towels and bedding. Those are the only changes that have occurred. Now I’m wondering if I’m going to get hit with a large electric bill next month? Could turning off most lights cause this kind of drop in an electric bill?

Filed under: expenses, life

6 Responses for "Could this be a billing fluke?"

Chicky June 9th, 2008 at 10:47 pm 1
Hmm interesting. I dont think these little changes would make that much difference.It awesome your electric bill so low though. Luck on your side girl!
twiggers June 10th, 2008 at 2:58 am 2
I would suggest going outside and checking to see if the numbers are close between the meter and the bill. Also, is it an estimated reading or an actual reading? That can make a big difference!
Alissa June 10th, 2008 at 3:33 am 3
Hopefully it’s not a fluke! And if that’s the case, then I’m going to religiously start hanging all my clothes on the line… that’s a HUGE savings!! Good for you.
Jim ~ mydebtblog.com June 10th, 2008 at 12:33 pm 4
It sounds like they did an estimated reading, not actual. So while it may be lower than what you expect, you could be in for a shock come next month if it’s higher. I try to avoid the estimations by going to my utility websites and putting my own meter reading in there. That way the bill is usually accurate within a week or two from the time it comes in. Keep doing what you’re doing though because it might literally be paying off in the end.
Ann Williamitis June 12th, 2008 at 4:05 am 5
I have really trying to cut down our electric bill. We have also been turning out lights and line drying practically everything and our bill went from about $189 then to $149 and last month $79. I can’t believe it either. I hope it’s for real. It is so worth hanging out the clothes.
Chris June 13th, 2008 at 7:15 am 6
Hi. I am a new visitor to your site. I started my own pf blog a couple of months ago and was wondering if you wanted to trade links. Like you, I am struggling with a lot of credit card debt. Only ours is $73,000.

I know that on our gas and electric bills it actually tells us the meter readings. It might be different for you though. You can always go out and read your meter. As long as it isn’t too far from your bill date, you should know if it is off or not.