Why your electric bill differs from your neighbor's
Do you ever wonder why the amount of your electric bill and your neighbor’s differ, even though you have about the same size house and are at home the same amount of time as your neighbor? If this is so, how can your bill be so much higher or lower than your neighbor's? Having been asked this many times, we at West Florida Electric Cooperative offer a few possible answers:
Structural Differences
Several factors contribute to the amount of an electric bill. The type and thickness of insulation and the type of windows and exterior doors you have in your house are important. WFEC recommends that you have at least 12 inches of attic insulation. As for your windows, we suggest they be double-paned or single-paned with storm windows behind them. The better-insulated your house is, the more you'll cut your electric bill.
Energy Usage
The appliances and other electrical equipment you have and how you use them play a crucial part in the amount of your electric bill, as well. In most homes, the central heat and air conditioning unit has the greatest impact on the kilowatt usage, and your family might prefer a warmer or cooler climate than your neighbor's. The number and age of the family members in a household significantly impact energy use patterns in the home.
The age, size and type of appliances you have also influences your kilowatt consumption. For instance, older appliances, especially dryers, tend to pull more electrical current, thereby increasing your bill. Also, water heaters are normally the second-greatest contributor to your usage, so WFEC recommends a slow recovery water heater. All these variables play a part in the actual number of kilowatts used each month.
Costs of service
Even though you live near each other, you and your neighbor might be served by different utilities. When comparing electric bills from one utility to those from another, consumer density is a major factor to consider. For example, WFEC serves an average of five customers per mile of powerline, whereas companies that serve less rural areas may provide power for an average of 45 -- 50 people per mile. Therefore, more equipment is needed to adequately provide electrical service for those in rural areas.
Besides density, right of way maintenance is a factor to consider. Rural electric co-ops have a greater amount of right-of-way to clear than companies that provide electricity in cities. We also clear right-of-way through wooded areas, whereas other local power companies might not encounter this.
Many people are unaware that density and right-of-way maintenance are extra expenses for rural electric co-ops, such as WFEC. Nevertheless, by striving to control its operating expenses, WFEC has managed to maintain steady rates for almost a decade. This proves that, even with added expenses, WFEC is able to provide competitive rates and exceptional service to our customers.
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