Call from the Electric Co. about power usage!!!

[lampost]

Oh shit, I'm trippin'

I just got a "courtesy call" from the power company. I haven't called the number back yet, but I'm certain they're going to tell me that I'm using a shitload of power more than I have been! I've heard of this happening and supposedly it's not a big deal, but I must say I'm a little alarmed. They have to be able to tell what's going on!! I've heard others say not to worry... that they won't turn you in since they're making money off of you.

What do you guys think? I was just going to say I got some space heaters and a new PC power supply, but only if they asked.

I've only been using the 1000W for like 13 days... didn't think they'd call that fast (or at all).

lampost Reviewed by lampost on 01-21-2010. Call from the Electric Co. about power usage!!! Oh shit, I'm trippin' I just got a "courtesy call" from the power company. I haven't called the number back yet, but I'm certain they're going to tell me that I'm using a shitload of power more than I have been! I've heard of this happening and supposedly it's not a big deal, but I must say I'm a little alarmed. They have to be able to tell what's going on!! I've heard others say not to worry... that they won't turn you in since they're making money off of you. What do you guys think? Rating: 5

[redtails]

Never had a call, but when I was 18 at my moms house she got a letter. She had a flat rate plan based on previous years' usages, & since it changed so much one month they just sent out the courtesy letter. She told them the A/C condenser was blown for a little while As long as you have a believable story I really doubt anything will happen.

[the image reaper]

tell 'em you got a 110-volt 3hp air compressor, and a 110-volt small welder ... don't forget the surround-sound 1000-watt amplifier ... they'll understand

[killerweed420]

I got the same call a couple of months ago. My electricity had doubled. They were more concerned there was something wrong with the meter so they sent someone out to check it. I just told them I'd been using the electric furnace when usually I don't use it all because I have wood heat.

[lampost]

Yeah, if they ask I'll just say we stopped using the fireplace and got a space heater... those are 1000W from what I can tell and it's probably not unreasonable to run it for 18 hours a day. I'm also going to say I got a new PC since it's XMAS time!
Bout to give them a call. This is a legal grow anyway, but I have a few more plants than I should just to make sure that I come out with enough healthy ones at the end!

I think the problem was that I used so little before!!! I should've started amping it up leaving shit on all night awhile back!

[LetsSeeYa]

I always keep track of my usage of kilowatts and this bill, i saw that last year i used more then this year. I didn't grow last year. But this months bill was about 40 bucks cheaper, but we use small space heaters in the bedrooms and keep the furnace at about 70, which keeps the house at 65. I think my thermostat is sort of a cheaper one. But im not pushing 1000w, only 278, but i still think im doing good.

If i were you i might just say, '' yeah im growing my meds now, so you guys will be making tons of cash off me now'', then tell em your legal. I think the truth go's farther most of the time.

Good luck man:rasta:

[COzigzag]

We use 2 space heaters and our bill jumped $50.00 this month.

Wait till I start growing.

This will be a concern though.

I'm anxiously waiting to hear what they tell you.

[GanjaBabe06]

Before I started growing, I got my electric bill down to $20 a month. Since then, (I'm about to harvest) my bill has jumped to almost $150 a month. I haven't gotten a call from Xcel or anything yet. I think they know what is going on and are just happy to be making money.

[WashougalWonder]

Ok, you gotta look at the numbers to see this. It costs me $40-50 a month to run a 1000W for 12 hours/day and 400W for18 hours/day. Wattage is wattage. The space heater is a great way, they are usually around 1000-1200W.

The watts add up per hour, so if you run 1000 for 12 hours, that is 12 KW. A 400 for 18 hours is 7.2 KW. Total of 19.2 KW. If you pay $0.10 (a high number I think) per KW, that is like 1.92 per day or so.....That sounds high. My electricity is around $0.075 per KW. Also you have to consider fans, heating pads. heaters if you are using them.

So if you want a good story, fabricate one that uses KW hours correctly.

[zenblaster]

I have a pair of audio tube amplifiers that burn through a crazy amount of juice (and can heat my house in the winter), if anyone gets curious about my surge in usage.