High Bill FAQs

Most Common Causes

• Bill spikes are often due to increased kWh usage from heating and cooling during extreme weather.
• The major cause of a surprising bill spike is almost always because something at the location is consuming electricity.
• In addition to extreme heat or cold, there can be other causes such as a defective device like a broken thermostat, freezer, or an appliance cycling off and on.
• It could also be a defective water heater coil, a Freon leak in the HVAC unit, the improper use of a heat pump’s heat strips, HVAC unit compressor problems, or the frequent use of a space heater.
• Also look for continuously running pool or water well pumps.

Electric Bill Drivers

• Heating and cooling account for about 44% of residential bills.
• Lighting and appliances contribute 33%.
• Water heating represents 18%.
• The remaining portion is attributed to refrigeration.
• Modern HVAC systems are more efficient. Homes now allocate a significantly larger portion of their usage to appliances and electronics. In the 1980's, heating and cooling accounted for 56%.

A major contributor that could have an unexpected impact on energy usage is seasonal temperatures. While you may not have changed the setting on your thermostat, hotter and colder outside temperatures require your HVAC unit to operate longer to maintain a constant temperature inside.

• Wood County Electric Cooperative (WCEC) mandates that all meters must achieve an accuracy rate of 99.5% to 100.5%.
• Meters undergo testing for accuracy before installation to ensure they meet the required standards.
• Electric meters are known for their reliability; however, if you suspect an issue with your meter, you can request a test.
• WCEC conducts on-site meter testing when requested by members.
• The testing process includes checking both light and full loads to assess calibration.
• Someone in your household can be present during this if you wish.

• WCEC has used electronic meters since the mid 1990’s.
• Our electronic meters send readings back to the office approximately every 27 hours.
• Using Automated Meter Readers (AMR) has many benefits, including eliminating possible human errors in the billing process.

• No. WCEC bills members for their actual usage, not estimated usage.
• This is done on a 27 to 31 day billing cycle.
• Every bill is calculated based on actual readings of the electricity consumed.

• Electric bills are as individual as users and their habits and habitats.
• Bills are determined by the amount of kWh (kilowatt-hours) consumed.
• Even households of similar sizes have variations in equipment, usage patterns, schedules, and other factors.
• Implementing energy-saving measures like shades, window coverings, fans, and electronic thermostats can significantly impact energy consumption.
• The levels of insulation, types of roofing materials, underpinning in manufactured homes, and the type and size of HVAC units and water heaters also contribute to energy use.
• Landscaping and the orientation of a house on a property can affect energy consumption.

• If you've been relying on your fireplace as the primary heat source, your HVAC unit may still run when the temperature drops below your thermostat setting.
• Consider the distance between your heat source, like the fireplace, and your thermostat.
• If the heat can't reach the thermostat, your HVAC unit may continue running.
• Keeping the flue open to let smoke escape also allows the heated air produced by your HVAC system to escape as the fire diminishes.
• This often happens at night when the fire is smoldering, and the flue can't be closed.

• Electricity usage continues when appliances are left plugged in, even when you're away on business or vacation.
• Major appliances like water heaters, freezers, refrigerators, HVAC systems, and well pumps still consume electricity.
• Consider turning off some of these appliances if you plan to be away for an extended period.
• Electronics like DVRs, computers, televisions, coffee makers, and others remain on standby when not unplugged.
• If it has a glowing light, it’s using electricity whether it is on or not.
• Unplugging these items can lead to energy savings.

• WCEC offers free energy audits to its members.
• Sometimes there is a backlog of requests. Typically, an appointment can be scheduled within 2 to 3 weeks.
• Contact us to schedule a home energy audit to better understand your usage.

• Solar energy only makes sense after first addressing other energy efficiency measures.
• Prioritize efficiency improvements like reducing air leaks and upgrading to an efficient HVAC unit.
• Thoroughly evaluate the cost, potential payback period, and investment required for solar energy systems.
• Consider factors like the system's size and the estimated time needed to recover the initial investment before proceeding with solar installation.

• Heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products today.
• They can lead to significant cost savings on heating and cooling expenses.
• While heat pumps may have a slightly higher upfront cost, the long-term savings make them a valuable investment.
• Proper operation and maintenance are essential for realizing the full potential of energy savings.
• If you currently have a resistance heat unit, replacing it with a heat pump can result in substantial energy savings.