Electricity?

[eviloprah]

Noob here, How many 1000hps is average for western WA? I just got back from Arcata and there most use 8 1000hps's. The space i have realistically can only use 4-6 but I am wondering what number would red flag and individual?

Also what are some of your power bills looking like and it would be useful to know how many lights so i can correlate the info.

Thanks in advance.

[JellyFish]

2K would = HIGH INTENSITY in a 4 x 6 area.
4x4 and a 1K = 62 Watts per SqFt. and can yield 1lb per cycle pretty easily.

8K? Smallish commercial territory

J.Fish

[eviloprah]

I understand that 8 1000w is entering smallish commercial. The real question here is does anyone know If this is to much consumption?

I am just trying to understand the area a little better and get some education. Down south 8 lights is standard. Is there a standard here?

If someone was using 4 1000's would that raise any suspicions?

The space I have is maybe 12ft X 25ft and I want to utilize to it's full potential but really don't feel like getting raided whether I have a MJ card or not.

If I am going to do something I like to be as informed as possible. I know they only can get your power records if they already know something is up, but how much usage would make the power company suspect something?

From what I know of business is that power companies want people to use their products. As long as your not stealing power they really have no incentive to turn you in....or do they?????:eek:

[VapedG13]

In a house dont use over 6-1000 watters....I use 4 on for 24/7 and have had no issues

[JellyFish]

If you have a 1600 sqft house, 6K will look far different than 6K in a 5000 sqft house ...

[killerweed420]

It costs about $25 per month per 1000w hps for electricity. It really depends on what history the house you are growing in has for elec use. I had the power company inspect my meter a couple months ago because I was only spending $45 a month and it doubled to $90. Nothing came of it but now adays power use gets flagged if it has varied too much. Just have a story ready. In my case I just told them I wasn't buring firewood for heat and was relying on the electric furnace which increased my bill. I've also known someone who spends $5000 a month in elec bill per month and he's never been asked a thing.lol

[eviloprah]

Thanks guys for the info. This is all very helpful. Please keep your personal experiences coming, at least a few more examples would be helpful.

Yes the house I have is small 1200sqft. I really think in Cali they use to many lights per room. The standard I saw was 4 1000w per bedroom or 8 1000w in a 2 car garage.

I am the caregiver for my mother and don't need any extreme quantity and I also do not want to get raided even with the "law" on my side.

I really do appreciate your help on this and if there is anyone out there who would be willing to friend me a little bit I really could use some help and advice. Like I said in another post I am new here and literally don't have any friends in the area.

I really need advice on growing in coco.

Thanks guys. :thumbsup:

[eviloprah]

It just occured to me, did you know how much they pay for electricity in Arcata, mckinleyville and Eureka?

most the people I met pay around 1500$ a month for 8 1000w. 4 of which are running 12 on 12 off and the rest vegging.

Just thought you guys might like to know how much better the prices for electricity is up here.

[Mississippi Steve]

most power companys will red flag with a 25% change in "normal" usage. For a personal use grow, you don't need but 2 or 3 plants. Grow under CFLs... much less electrical usage, and excellant results, and you don't have the heat issuea to deal with. I will normally get 3 1/2 - 4 cure jars full of nothing but dried, manicured bud per plant. I run 4 month cycles... seed to end of veg run 2 months, and then flower for 7 - 9 weeks depending on the strain. If you grow decent strains, a piece the size of a pea inna waterpipe will rock your world. I still have a half jar of last summers grow left, and 7 jars left from the winter grow, just filled another 3 jars, and will get at least 4 jars from the plant that is finishing now.
I am not gonna start another grow until after the first of the year... considering that I will have more than a case of full cure jars in another 2 or so weeks

[gypski]

If the power company does a graphic of your usage on your bill, and you move all lights from veg to flower, it will show up. but if you run your power balanced, its good to go. You can balance it with things that are always on that you can turn either off or on. :smokin: Sounds like you're gearing up for the levy to break so to speak. :D

[eviloprah]

If the power company does a graphic of your usage on your bill, and you move all lights from veg to flower, it will show up. but if you run your power balanced, its good to go. You can balance it with things that are always on that you can turn either off or on. :smokin: Sounds like you're gearing up for the levy to break so to speak. :D

Information is power, or should i say precaution. I am just going to run 4 1000w at 12 on 12 off. Sea of green style. I find this somewhat crazy that they can use our power consumption against us.

I feel like calling the power company and just asking them point blank what their policy is. Hmm, maybe if i can speak to a manager that isn't a bad idea. I will have to think about this some more.

Ever get tired of having to act like a criminal to grow a plant that is more helpful then harmful. I know i do.

My father grew for 20+ years and died of cancer 10 years ago. (cancer around his spinal cord) I remeber sitting with him in his last days smoking bowls, him holding my hand and crying often. Screw these people for making guys like my father into criminals which he wasn't.

Anyways, please keep sending in any info on this subject and see if we can come to a consensus.

[Mississippi Steve]

Running 4KW of lights, and fans etc, you can look to double your power bill. This will definately be an attention getter. If you want to reduce your power consumption, and not raise any red flags, start by replacing your heating and cooling system with a new super energy efficient model... that will reduce your current power bills 30 - 50%, then start up the lights in conjunction with having the new system installed. This will keep you from raising red flags with the power company. No its not gonna be free.

OTOH, 4KW of lights and a sea of green sounds like a commercial grow. Maybe you should clarify here. This site is for medical marijuana and personal use. There are other sites if your growing quantities for sale. Just sayin.