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Why is your electricity bill increasing?

If you've noticed your electricity bill getting more and more expensive every month its probably not your fault. Often times people see an increase in their bill and think its because they forgot to turn off the lights and blame it on increased usage, but that's probably not it.

Across the country utility companies are raising rates at an alarming rate. That's not a big surprise considering electricity is in strong demand since it cannot be stored. Factor in the rising fuel prices, the $14 billion spent every year on electricity infrastructure costs and your rising rates start to make sense.

What's worse is this increase is expected to rise dramatically. Current price cap laws on what electricity companies can charge are being phased out and expiring - the last of which are expected to expire in 2011.

Other Alternatives Some utility companies are offering to help customers who face sharp increases in their bill by offering long term contracts. However, these contracts aren't offered by all companies and rarely cover a homeowner's entire electricity usage.

The hike in prices is forcing many residents to find the light at the end of the tunnel from the light of the sun. Solar power is a fully renewable and reliable source of power that many homeowners like Jeffrey Cordero of Corona, California are finding more and more affordable. Cordero started looking into a residential solar panel system as a way to cut costs and "go green" but admits that he thought it would be too expensive.

"I contacted a Solar Panel installer who gave me a great deal. He sat down with me and worked out all the costs and rebates and my solar system will pay for itself in 5 years". Cordero's installer, Hemet-based SunWise Solar Power, has noticed people often over-estimate the cost of installing a photovoltaic system. Their best advice is to contact an experienced solar contractor and weigh the costs of continuing with a utility company and switching to solar.

What you can do If, after contacting a solar energy installer you find that it is not within your means there are other things you can do to limit your electricity bill. Changing to energy light bulbs and appliances and installing better insulated windows can reduce your electric bill and heating rates. Or, if it is offered in your area, talk to your utility company about entering a fixed rate contract.

Still with the cost of solar systems becoming more and more affordable, solar energy, with its clean, free energy is emerging as the best way to avoid the rising costs of electricity



About the Author
Terrell Jacobs retired writer, audio book reader. www.SunWiseSolarPower.com

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