Why Does My Bill Go Up In The Winter?

Your electric bill is based on the amount of power you use each month. During colder winter months, Sangre de Cristo Electric consumers typically use more electricity than in summer months.

Summer average residential energy use on our system in 2018 was approximately 491 kilowatt-hours a month (or approximately $64 for an average monthly bill). The winter average was 703 kWh (approximately $91 for an average monthly bill). The service availability charge is added to these totals. Depending on the size of your home and the number of people living there, your average may be higher or lower than these figures.

Contributors to a higher bill include several things that typically occur during winter months that add to an increase in energy use. Generally speaking, people are indoors more often during winter months. As temperatures drop, heat sources run. Lights are on more frequently and longer because the days are shorter. While indoors, many people watch television more often. Because it’s colder out, it takes more electricity to heat water. Even if you have gas or propane space heating, electricity is used to move the warm water or air throughout your house.

Some households decorate with lights for the holidays, which also draw additional power. Space heaters may be used to add additional warmth to homes. Many consumers cook more often indoors in the winter, and they may have students at home during the day on winter break using gaming consoles, computers or other electronic gadgets. Block heaters used to help start vehicles consume power. These are just some of the contributors to increased energy usage during winter months.

Curious about how much power you use each day? You can track that. Go to our website, www.myelectric.coop. Create an account or sign in to view your usage. On the SmartHub home page, you’ll see a View and Manage My Usage block. Click on the Start Now button to analyze your usage. This is a great way to track how energy is used in your home or business.

Would you like to access your daily electric usage online? It’s easy! And it’s informative.
1. Visit myelectric.coop.
2. Click on the Sign In box on the upper right hand side of the page.
3. Log in using your email address and password. If you are a new user, sign up to access the site.
4. Click on the My Usage box on the home page.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our knowledgeable consumer representatives at 719-395- 2412 or toll-free, 1-844-395-2412.