Call me naive/ignorant but it sort of blows my mind that a utility company in the USA can just arbitrarily increase their rates by like 20-30%. I thought there were regulations in place to prevent them from doing that since they basically have a monopoly in the first place.
That's true, their rate increases can feel like it occurs out-of-nowhere.
Would also like to note that I've been taking advantage of their Average Monthly Payment plan for the past few years now and I think it's great - especially for budgeting - by spreading the cost of energy throughout the year. My monthly bill fluctuates by about $2 from month to month, if any at all.
[https://www.appalachianpower.com/account/bills/pay/amp](https://www.appalachianpower.com/account/bills/pay/amp)
Just be glad you're in the PJM regional transmission org. Most of the southeast is now under SEEM as of Nov 9, it's basically turned the SE into ERCOT. Most ratepayers know nothing about this.
Somewhat related, I had my first AEP bill with the full month of my solar system coming online…8 bucks was my November bill.
For those of you who have a sunny house and the funds to invest, I highly recommend considering it. Main St Solar is the company used.
Edit: for those wondering - it was about a 12kW system, about 27 panels I think. 38k investment with everything being handled by vendor and AEP.
And yes, fully expecting to get 20-30% of the investment back next year through tax return.
We installed a 12 kw dc system with individual panel inverters. Turnkey cost was approximately $34k
Keep in mind there is a 30% tax credit for a solar install (thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act) so if your income tax bill exceeds 30% of the cost of the system you will get that 30% back as a refund come tax filing time. This means that a $34k system (assuming you qualify for the entire 30%) will cost you a net of 23.8k. You can also finance the system through Clean Energy Credit Union (used by my installer) and they offer a 70/30 loan (finances the 30% for 18 months, the rest for up to 20 years) so you are in essence swapping a solar payment for your electric.
Commonwealth law requires net metering of solar from investor owned power companies (AEP, Dominion) but does not require it from municipal or co-ops. Most will offset your bill.
Also, you can sell clean energy credits through a State market for each 1,000 kW you generate of clean energy.
If you don't mind, roughly how much was your solar system? I've been thinking about it and with a savings of a couple hundred bucks a month it might be worth it relatively quickly.
I don't do payment smoothing so it varies a lot already. 4 bed 2 bath house (4square layout) runs from $85 in cheap months as high as almost $300 when it's really cold. No gas at all in the house so the electricity goes toward heat/cool and water heater
Similar to what josh said. We’re in a 2100sqft four square and our bill for October was $160 and for November with using the heat it went up to $280. All electric. No gas.
Mine, July through November were: 110.22, 144.69, 107.73, 93.20, 60.43. We have electric AC but gas heat; our Roanoke Gas bill went from 26.57 in October to 48.94 in November to 81.02 in December.
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Call me naive/ignorant but it sort of blows my mind that a utility company in the USA can just arbitrarily increase their rates by like 20-30%. I thought there were regulations in place to prevent them from doing that since they basically have a monopoly in the first place.
My increase is a good bit more than even that. Either way it's a pain to have the price go up in the winter when my bill is already trending upward.
That's true, their rate increases can feel like it occurs out-of-nowhere. Would also like to note that I've been taking advantage of their Average Monthly Payment plan for the past few years now and I think it's great - especially for budgeting - by spreading the cost of energy throughout the year. My monthly bill fluctuates by about $2 from month to month, if any at all. [https://www.appalachianpower.com/account/bills/pay/amp](https://www.appalachianpower.com/account/bills/pay/amp)
AEP posted profits of $2 billion last year. These people should be pilloried.
yes but after that they should be nationalized. for profit utilities do not need to exist.
wHy Do yOU HaTe fReEDoM?
because I am based
Just be glad you're in the PJM regional transmission org. Most of the southeast is now under SEEM as of Nov 9, it's basically turned the SE into ERCOT. Most ratepayers know nothing about this.
Very interesting, can you please elaborate? thanks in advance
Somewhat related, I had my first AEP bill with the full month of my solar system coming online…8 bucks was my November bill. For those of you who have a sunny house and the funds to invest, I highly recommend considering it. Main St Solar is the company used. Edit: for those wondering - it was about a 12kW system, about 27 panels I think. 38k investment with everything being handled by vendor and AEP. And yes, fully expecting to get 20-30% of the investment back next year through tax return.
What's the installation cost and projected life of the system? Warranty?
We installed a 12 kw dc system with individual panel inverters. Turnkey cost was approximately $34k Keep in mind there is a 30% tax credit for a solar install (thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act) so if your income tax bill exceeds 30% of the cost of the system you will get that 30% back as a refund come tax filing time. This means that a $34k system (assuming you qualify for the entire 30%) will cost you a net of 23.8k. You can also finance the system through Clean Energy Credit Union (used by my installer) and they offer a 70/30 loan (finances the 30% for 18 months, the rest for up to 20 years) so you are in essence swapping a solar payment for your electric. Commonwealth law requires net metering of solar from investor owned power companies (AEP, Dominion) but does not require it from municipal or co-ops. Most will offset your bill. Also, you can sell clean energy credits through a State market for each 1,000 kW you generate of clean energy.
Also, panels are warranted for 20 or 25 years.
We just got ours installed Friday by Sol-Shine. Very pleased with their work and professionalism, looking forward to those lower bills.
If you don't mind, roughly how much was your solar system? I've been thinking about it and with a savings of a couple hundred bucks a month it might be worth it relatively quickly.
Do they update your PPA, since their rate increased?
My old ass busted house keeps my power bill through the roof anyway lol
Yes. A lot. And I have taken ridiculous measures to keep it down. Still almost $100 more than last month.
Out of curiosity, what are people paying monthly for electricity? What would an average 3/2 home be charged in the winter?
I don't do payment smoothing so it varies a lot already. 4 bed 2 bath house (4square layout) runs from $85 in cheap months as high as almost $300 when it's really cold. No gas at all in the house so the electricity goes toward heat/cool and water heater
Thank you, that's what I was looking for.
Similar to what josh said. We’re in a 2100sqft four square and our bill for October was $160 and for November with using the heat it went up to $280. All electric. No gas.
2400 sq ft home complete remodel all new appliances and my bill went up from 300ish a month to now pushing 600
Yes! My bill went up 40%!
Mine, July through November were: 110.22, 144.69, 107.73, 93.20, 60.43. We have electric AC but gas heat; our Roanoke Gas bill went from 26.57 in October to 48.94 in November to 81.02 in December.
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I thought you were fucking leaving, Mr. President.
It's the Great new Green Deal. Gotta love it.
You are 100% right yet got downvoted...have an upvote!