Sticker Shocked by RV Park Electricity Bill

Retired63 · 03-02-2013, 01:48 AM

I am currently staying at an RV park on a monthly rate and today we received our bill and it was $200 for the month! This just don't not seem right does it to anyone else?. We have used the heater, water heater and cooktop but thats mainly it. Needless to say, this is very discouraging and upsetting to me. Has anyone had a similar scenario and if so, did you find that you might have had an internal electrical problem or is this me getting screwed by an rv park!!!

Neweller · 03-02-2013, 02:00 AM

I have experienced a few high bills like that on long stays, especially in California during the summer. I much prefer the parks that include the power with the monthly rent. You will also find some places especially in Colorado that won't even let you stay by the month if you have a coach that is equipped with a 50 amp service. I had a hell of a time finding a place to park my coach in the entire area.

GORDON HUMMEL · 03-02-2013, 02:02 AM

What state are you in & do you know the rate you pay or your usage in KWH's

Retired63 · 03-02-2013, 02:07 AM

We are staying in the great state of California

and no I never asked what the electricity rate was which I guess was my fault.

GORDON HUMMEL · 03-02-2013, 02:36 AM

I too am in CA & paid $59.81 last month for electricity, using 442 KWH; also paid $97 for propane. Jan I paid $197 for both. I'm up in the mountains where it is a little cooler, but it's just one person.
Wait till obamacare kicks in !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

prairieschooner · 03-02-2013, 01:56 PM

If they are going to charge me for my electricity I always take my own Meter Reading! Reading these Meters isn't easy but even a picture of it would be helpful.
A few years ago we had a similar problem a few years ago and when taken to task they found that the guy reading the Meter "made an honest mistake".

folivier · 03-02-2013, 02:03 PM

Great idea to take a picture, eliminate all doubt!

Novice Traveler · 03-02-2013, 04:08 PM

It would be important for you to know the KWH's you were charged for, over how many days. Then it's important to know the rate.

We have seen rates as high as .19 per KWH in Colorado and as low as .12 per KWH in Texas.

Charlotte Rosita · 03-02-2013, 04:33 PM

I've never even thought about this guys! I have wonder one time or another about the rate being a little high at some places we've stayed at. I need to be more aware of things like this.

GORDON HUMMEL · 03-02-2013, 04:35 PM

You might want to review the attached link for more details.
I keep a spreadsheet for all power used on a daily basis & have for years. I have learned that it is cheaper to leave the hotwater heater on all the time in colder weather, as opposed to turning it off & on. Also have raised the nighttime setpoint of the front thermostats. I was able to determine this data by reviewing usage at multiple times during the day & also using the tempature as another factor.
I'm sure my calculations are not perfect, but I always pay the least in any given location
Being retired has it's perks; trying to do the most with the least has nothing to do about being green!

http://www.luxurycoachlifestyle.com/...s-propane.html

Just noticed on a recent bill PGE is @ .1323 per KWH in first 368; ...... and a wopping .34025 per KWH over 736 hours.
Propane went up .11 cents to $2.44 per gallon.
LOOKING FOR A PROPANE AIR CONDITIONER!

NEWELLWIZARD · 03-02-2013, 07:29 PM

Gordon that is some good information. It's a great idea to keep track not only will you help yourself but it will help others also.

BMG Coach · 03-02-2013, 11:17 PM

Everything is sticker shock in California!