The Time has come
- Thread starter Markk96
- Start date
chadscamaro
Active member
Mark, sorry to hear that. Only a couple more months and the a/c wont need to run.
frenchie
New member
me and and a buddy are going to add some insulation to his and my attic, i'm working on getting an attic fan installed and wife put up pull down shades that block all of sunlight to help with heat from sunlight. I have also switched all light bulbs to power compact bulbs and tank light go from 10am. to 9 p.m. for pc lights and 12noon to 5p.m. for halides. Keep ceiling fans in house on cause air movement helps alot and installed a programable thermostat to help save some money on air condition.
stlouisguy
Registered Member
Its sucks for all of us. I hope you dont take down the tanks Mark, its 3 months of the year. 30 Days and its over. Mine was over $470 this month and yeah it hurts but think long term. Can you put the thermostats on timers? Change the bulbs to low wattage? those new bulbs?(around the house)
I know its a shock when they jump the bill that much in one year, but here in Missouri I guess we are just used to it.
Chin up and I hope you hang.
I know its a shock when they jump the bill that much in one year, but here in Missouri I guess we are just used to it.
Chin up and I hope you hang.
saltyshoe_nano
New member
my power bill w/ out tanks is 350....lol i donno how much yours is but...mines really high to, after those storms it sky rocketed.
Markk96
Premium Member
I understand that you are used to paying the high amount of Electricty in St. Louis, but when we used to be on Illinois Power things were ok, now my bill jumps by $300 a month every month at least and we are supposed to be ok with it? We do not choose where we buy are electric from, so who wins? They do.
beapeams
New member
Have you checked what budget billing will do for you. It takes away those 80 dollar months during the cooler months, but it makes my summer bills under 200. I just switched to it after getting a 360 dollar summer bill. 188 a month is nicer. My average bill was 150 during the non summer months. So I pay an extra 33 a month to cover the summer months. If that makes it reasonable you could then have them spilt the current balance up over your next few months bill and keep your tank. I don't know how they are on the Ill side but that is what they will do on the Lou side.
Mark, what would it take to keep your tank running electricity-wise? If there is a number that is less than the $60-$80 range, figure it out and cut back the metal halide photoperiod, or turn off a heater if it runs at night.
I think I will do a MH ramping up/down phase every year based on the four months, not three of increased electrical cost with Ameren. Our electricity is right now at 8cents/kwhr vs the usual 5cents/kwhr with a discounted rate for everything over 750kwh during the other 8 months.
The little money that you save taking the tank down you will lose with the losses you take...so, perhaps looking at other options besides the tank are worthwhile? Not sure, as I am not in your shoes right now.
In the past, my summer electrical bill with the 300g with 5 400w metal halides and AC at 68-70 was always about $500/month during the summer, but then dropped drastically the other months due to the lower rate and discount after the first 750kwh.
Either way, I hope you don't quit the hobby, but you know that already
I think I will do a MH ramping up/down phase every year based on the four months, not three of increased electrical cost with Ameren. Our electricity is right now at 8cents/kwhr vs the usual 5cents/kwhr with a discounted rate for everything over 750kwh during the other 8 months.
The little money that you save taking the tank down you will lose with the losses you take...so, perhaps looking at other options besides the tank are worthwhile? Not sure, as I am not in your shoes right now.
In the past, my summer electrical bill with the 300g with 5 400w metal halides and AC at 68-70 was always about $500/month during the summer, but then dropped drastically the other months due to the lower rate and discount after the first 750kwh.
Either way, I hope you don't quit the hobby, but you know that already
StupidsReef
Premium Member
Sorry to here of your situation Mark. It is a tough call to make. I wish you the best and hope whatever you should end up doing that you hang around here either way.
marino420td
Premium Member
I feel your pain. My last bill was $465 (including nat. gas of $22)! I have two tanks running and figured they cost me about $145 per month using the calculator on the RC home page. Thinking of cutting my MH period as well.
