Budgeting
Within a few weeks the evenings will cool here in AZ. The evaporative cooler that has been running on “high” 24/7 for the past few months will get a break as I can use the “low” setting and eventually turn it off at night and then during the day. We usually have a couple months where the evaporative cooler and the heater remain off.
During this time I like to create a reserve for the high bills of the upcoming winter. I personally create a credit with my gas company by paying more than the bill requests. Other people (who are more strong willed than I) may choose to put it in a savings.
I don’t like to use the utility companies budgeting options. They take the average monthly bill and then charge that amount monthly. Periodically they evaluate the true cost and compare it to the monthly charge and then bill for the difference. I hear they can be slow for the refunds or will just provide credit on the bill if over-charging occurs. For under-charging the bill can be a surprise!
I prefer to keep control myself and then if unforeseen events occur, I’m not locked into a certain payment each month.
I love your idea of over paying on your energy bills during the mild spring and fall weather.
In my situation the electric bill goes high in the heat of summer from air conditioning and my gas bill goes high in the cold of the winter heating season.
So I’ll over pay the gas bill in the fall and over pay the electric bill in the spring to provide a cushion for the high bill months.
Keep up the good work.
Energy Boomer
Comment by Birney Summers — September 6, 2007 @ 5:22 am
Thank you Birney!
Comment by Jan — February 12, 2008 @ 1:28 pm