My tiny victory over the power company

Living in Florida may be the land of sunshine but a dark cloud can emerge in the form of an electric bill. Though propane gas is readily available, most households depend strictly upon electricity for their needs. A monthly statement can suck the light from a room. The electric bill is reflective of fuel costs to maintain one’s state of living anywhere within this country. With gasoline at $3.50 at the pump in America it can transcribe itself into how many lights that want to have burning in your home.

Three months ago I went on an all out mission to pare my electric bill down. Standard light bulbs were replaced with CFL’s and power bars started sprouting up wherever an outlet could be found. The thermostat was set at 67 degrees at night and an electric blanket has soon graced my bed. I did my research, crawled into the attic, making sure that the hot water tank was at 130 degrees, and did all washes in cold water. Even new filters were placed into air ducts and dated for changing. Could I run my large house on the minimum of electricity and still retain my sanity? Only time would tell.

With the first bill that I received I could see a slight difference. I was acutely aware that it was not reflective of a full thirty days with these harrowing power saving measures This was diligently taken into consideration. Within the bill, I still had a multitude of twenty four hours with incandescent lighting, computers displaying a minute, orange glow, and the DVD player would still cast an ominous blue. These beacons were indicative of power being pulled stealthily through my electrical sockets. One might refer to them as "thieves in the night."
I most certainly did not feel vindicated in my quest. However, there was a slight feeling of self satisfaction spreading over me as I saw a decrease in my daily kilowatt hours. On top of that, I could feel my legs and back acquiring strength from turning off lamps on my hands and knees through the usage of my power bars.

The next bill was enormously better with my bill being brought down by one third. I now truly felt as if I were onto something. I became even more vigilant with the electronic strips composed of on and off switches. I kept checking unused appliances to make sure that they had no lights emitting from them and even unplugged the coffee pot. It had stood brazenly displaying the time and I already had a clock in the kitchen. Why did I need two?

I started to become accustomed to this lifestyle without a feeling that I was somehow denying myself of pleasure and held it to me closely. There was no reason for the bedroom to be illuminated when I was in the kitchen. Warm socks were placed upon my feet as a barrier against a cold floor and it was okay. Neither myself, my cats or my home were suffering. My bank account filled steadily without the withdrawal of easily $300.00 monthly only to light my way. After all, I had been here for 15 years and knew my way around without spotlights.

This past week the power bill arrived and I studied the envelope before opening it. Had I been consistent in all of my endeavors to foil my electric co-operative? I ticked off all of the changes that I had implemented from the last statement. Those actions took on the character of a miracle within itself. With this statement, their already had been nights where it had dipped below freezing. Would my dedication to being a electric Grinch pay off? It all was there within that envelope and it was time for the unveiling.

I grabbed that foreboding piece of mail and ripped it open with utterly no sense of decorum. As I studied the numbers before me I felt my spirits lift. There in front of me lie the fruits of my labor. My daily usage of electricity was down to 15 kilowatt hours and a bill hovering at the $50.00 mark. The “happy dance” was upon me and I felt as if the sky had opened to a choir of angels. A victory had been mine.

I’m still bathing in the glory of that missive from the power brokers and a smile, not unlike a smirk is still set upon my face. Not only do I have a spacious car that gets over thirty miles to the gallon but a comfortable home that doesn’t need to be lit up like a Christmas tree. Life feels good and I feel as if I’m the one that is now empowered.

I would not suggest doing all that I have done without a family meeting or you may find a full out rebellion on your hands (my cats go along quite often with what I have to say). You might be comfortable in your quest, but a husband and offspring may have a few choice words to say. I suggest that you begin in increments as to just turning a few lights off and squirreling away a few power bars. In no time at all, you may find your family on their hands and knees turning off the TV and lamps from the switches on the floor. If your spouse continues to complain about going down to the carpet to “just to turn the d----d lamp off,” you can compliment him on what a great rear end he possesses now.