Private Electric Companies

I have a few questions

Are private electric companies actualy private? Is there any loophole that they can bust you with?

Would it be cheaper for me to run (8) 1000 watt HPS bulbs via a private electric company or through a diesal generator?

Anyone who has experience with hefty electric bills, what should I expect the monthly bill to be if I'm runing (8) 1000 watt HPS bulbs (my brother will be shutting off the water heater, and everything else electric except 1 single TV and 1 goerge forman grill)?

Also if anyone has links to suggested private electric companies please post them.

(already posted this in grow room section but I think it will get more feedback here)

Look at your power box and see what the braker is, most are 100 AMPS
and you are looking at 120 AMPS with 8 lights """ FIRE """ my power is 550 to 650 a mo... and I had to go to a 400 AMP power box in the house I keep blowing the the transformer and they got mad about coming out turning it back on...
the house is all power...

If Leo thinks he has a case he might ask the electric company regarding your electric usage, but I believe this seldom happens.

The following formula will help you determine your electric cost:

Watts/1000 = KW X Hours of operation = kWh X KWh rate = Cost.
(you can find the Kwh rate on your bill somewhere, or just call the company and ask.

Some common household appliances and their average electric consumption:

Electric Drier - 5,000 watts
Average Refrigerator- 750 watts
Electric Stove- 12,500 watts
Hair Drier - 1,600 watts
Central Air - 12,500 watts
9,000 BTU window air conditioner - 1,050 watts
Portable electric heater- 750 to 1,000 watts
Hot water heater- 3,800 watts.

Peace