Dear Editor:
My previous letter was not meant to be unsympathetic to those with high electric bills. I know these are tough times for many people. While Mrs. Hoevelmann and myself both live fairly conservatively, and similarly, there seems to be a huge difference in our bills.
My furnace is also gas, but my water heater is electric, yet my monthly bill is from $40 to $65. She claims, and I have no reason to doubt her, that her bill increased $150 in a month. Now I can’t even imagine an electric bill of $150, much less pay for one.
In my previous letter, I listed some causes for high electric bills, and also stated that some of us need to conserve a little. Well, it sounds like she is certainly doing her part in conserving.
To restate some possible causes—bad meter, unbalanced load at the electric panel, open circuits, faulty refrigerator or freezer, or other electrical devices not working properly.
If I were in her shoes, I would first call the city electric department and ask them to check and/or replace the meter. I would also ask if they can or would take a look at my electric panel. If they can’t or won’t for whatever reason, I would hire an electrician for one to two hours, if I could afford it. If I couldn’t afford to hire, I would ask around for help. I believe there are kindhearted people in every trade group. Should she have trouble finding good help, I can recommend some names.
Although I am not an electrician, I do have a meter, and I would be willing to help her with this. My phone number is in the book and she can call anytime. Hope this helps and may God bless all.
Greg Dieckhaus