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U.S. Household electricity bills skyrocket

Electricity Forum -- New York -- Electric bills have skyrocketed in the last five years, a sharp reversal from a quarter-century when Americans enjoyed stable power bills even as they used more electricity.

Households paid a record $1,419 on average for electricity in 2010, the fifth consecutive yearly increase above the inflation rate, a USA TODAY analysis of government data found. The jump has added about $300 a year to what households pay for electricity. That's the largest sustained increase since a run-up in electricity prices during the 1970s.

Electricty is consuming a greater share of Americans' after-tax income than at any time since 1996 — about $1.50 of every $100 in income at a time when income growth has stagnated, a USA TODAY analysis of Bureau of Economic Analysis data found.

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Submitted Mar 15, 2012 By: bar1035

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KhelbenArunson Champion Author Michigan Posts:4,441 Points:716,890 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2012 8:40:26 PM Ignore KhelbenArunson Report Abuse I wish that was all I paid, consumers here is insane.
MacDad614 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:3,030 Points:1,175,895 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2012 5:39:33 PM Ignore MacDad614 Report Abuse Electricty is consuming a greater share of Americans' after-tax income than at any time since 1996 — about $1.50 of every $100 in income at a time when income growth has stagnated, a USA TODAY analysis of Bureau of Economic Analysis data found. Whre cn I gt sme of tht Electricty?
blupupher Champion Author Houston Posts:3,545 Points:747,070 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2012 5:21:36 AM Ignore blupupher Report Abuse Electricity is cheaper for me now than 5 years ago. I was at $0.155 kw/h, now at %0.094 kw/hr
07skydriver Champion Author Ohio Posts:3,255 Points:982,130 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2012 4:40:30 AM Ignore 07skydriver Report Abuse Consuming electricity is a full time job for the newest generation of Americans.
NGC4565 Champion Author Reading Posts:3,744 Points:745,940 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2012 4:09:57 AM Ignore NGC4565 Report Abuse "Under my plan, rates would necessarily skyrocket." -Barack Obama
VetteBlue Champion Author San Jose Posts:8,023 Points:1,612,720 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 10:19:10 PM Ignore VetteBlue Report Abuse Same thing here.
EVBuddy Champion Author Nevada Posts:16,685 Points:3,030,620 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 10:08:47 PM Ignore EVBuddy Report Abuse So much for the economy
Buddy2264 Champion Author Tampa Posts:11,649 Points:2,358,995 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:58:57 PM Ignore Buddy2264 Report Abuse ok I keep using less, mild winter here, and the cost keeps going up. Wish I had invested in solar long ago to offset the increase now and in the future. [Edited by: Buddy2264 at 3/16/2012 1:00:15 AM EST]
Gas Thirsty Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:4,876 Points:3,227,675 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:55:36 PM Ignore Gas Thirsty Report Abuse Everything is up.
indrix All-Star Author Toronto Posts:582 Points:161,790 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:53:57 PM Ignore indrix Report Abuse Or, maybe we have to live within our means?!
billey32 Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:1,359 Points:351,210 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:53:28 PM Ignore billey32 Report Abuse ok
HYEgasCA Champion Author Fresno Posts:2,111 Points:909,250 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:38:09 PM Ignore HYEgasCA Report Abuse JetskiJerry!!! Maybe we need something more than solar??? Maybe we need the building of more dams? Maybe some nuclear? When have we recently built any of these important infrastructures? You say we have too much??????????????????????????????????????
CdnLynx Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,020 Points:523,005 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:37:20 PM Ignore CdnLynx Report Abuse It maybe nice and might help if home builders also installed a low voltage wiring and LED's for subdued lighting in many or all of the rooms in a home. A friend retro-fitted his residence and uses a bank of batteries, that he picked up cheap (maybe used) hooked them up to LED lights. This is not going to work major systems (furnaces, stoves, fridges); however he has great lighting throughout the house to see what they are doing, maybe it's not enough to see to cook or other major activities that needs substantially adequate light. It has cut his electricity consumption/costs. During the last power outage; between this and his wood stove in the basement, he was quite comfortable and had much needed light. These batteries are also used as a computer backup system during times of critical need. These LED lights were also much more safe then having candles throughout the house, that also has small children. It's really working, he is a spend thrift, so I know he did not spend a lot. He is very happy with it. Just a thought, that maybe it can help others and maybe some might be able to enhance without spending thousands.
HYEgasCA Champion Author Fresno Posts:2,111 Points:909,250 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:33:08 PM Ignore HYEgasCA Report Abuse Want me to do it?
HYEgasCA Champion Author Fresno Posts:2,111 Points:909,250 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:32:48 PM Ignore HYEgasCA Report Abuse JetSki Jerry, if your ever on life support it sounds like you want the plug pulled.
HYEgasCA Champion Author Fresno Posts:2,111 Points:909,250 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:30:30 PM Ignore HYEgasCA Report Abuse We'll Jetski jerry, why don't you start living of the grid so there will be more power for me and my 14 TV's.
jetskijerry Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,891 Points:771,295 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:25:39 PM Ignore jetskijerry Report Abuse electric heat & AC...
jetskijerry Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,891 Points:771,295 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:25:16 PM Ignore jetskijerry Report Abuse houses with seven TV's....
jetskijerry Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,891 Points:771,295 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:24:48 PM Ignore jetskijerry Report Abuse too much stuff!
jetskijerry Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,891 Points:771,295 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:23:50 PM Ignore jetskijerry Report Abuse "Fluke" Power in Charlotte has raised prices twice this year already!
lyons_coop Veteran Author Kansas Posts:411 Points:154,460 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:21:49 PM Ignore lyons_coop Report Abuse Lets see in the 1970's the average household probably had 1 TV in it. Today we seem to need one per room, multiple computers, sound systems; not to mention the size of houses today with all the accent lighting etc. Gee I can't imagine why usage is up.
HYEgasCA Champion Author Fresno Posts:2,111 Points:909,250 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:19:20 PM Ignore HYEgasCA Report Abuse Your absolutely right Briandbec!! However there one thing to be thankful for, which is......your in AZ and not here with me in CA.
TIGERPAW46 Champion Author Florida Posts:7,120 Points:1,353,810 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:18:56 PM Ignore TIGERPAW46 Report Abuse Simple Oil goes up because they are exportiNG oil & distillates, ie Diesel etc, as fast as we import it. We could drop OPEC today, if we stopped ExportiNG & accepted the XL pipeline. If they still wanted to build it without beiNG able to export the distillates. The Speculators couldn't control the price as well if we had excess here in the USA & couldn't ship it off. That's part of the Reason NG dropped, all the Shale oil Wells produciNG more than we use & little way to Export it. Although they are workiNG on that. The pipelines from the West or over capacity to send East & they are TruckiNG more, but mostly for in country use. They need to be able to deliver much more to make it worth wile exportiNG. They could start pumpiNG more Shale OIL & less NG from the Shale deposits. They have started reduciNG their NG OUTPUT DUE TO THE GLUT. Shale oil can be distilled into anythiNG the Crude oil can, but you need different equipment for pumpiNG the oil than the NG, from the wells .
HYEgasCA Champion Author Fresno Posts:2,111 Points:909,250 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:15:33 PM Ignore HYEgasCA Report Abuse Here in CA we have sooooo many natural resources. Yet we refuse to use any of those resources due to the large majority of tree hugging nut jobs in CA. Of course when things get too high in price and the availability of electricity lowers there will only one thing to do and that's ration. Oh Boy! Those liberal commie pinkos will love to control the energy. And if you have a big mouth like me, you'll be screwed.
Ahking Champion Author Orange County Posts:3,502 Points:602,520 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:15:17 PM Ignore Ahking Report Abuse We probably all have more appliances & gadgets that run off electricity too.
briandbec Champion Author Tucson Posts:4,239 Points:499,290 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:12:24 PM Ignore briandbec Report Abuse Federal strong-arming to make power companies use more renewables = we pay more. Thank you Donkey Congress for the last 7 years. We're not paying enough for gasoline, natural gas, propane, milk, and groundwater. Heck, we pay NOTHING for to breed! How can that be with DEMS in charge?? Why don't you donkeys get together and figure out how to hyperinflate all these things too, that way the entire nation can go back to being like a 3rd world nation, so concerned about how to pay for neccessities that we are unable to buy anything else and come crying to you for handouts just like you want us to do: to be fully dependent on the Federal Government and unable to make it without it.
GreenLegend Champion Author Raleigh Posts:1,640 Points:398,385 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:11:10 PM Ignore GreenLegend Report Abuse Somebody in DC better wake up and implement market driven policy and reduce taxes. Reduced taxes = more money in the hands of consumers. More consumer spending = increased production = more jobs = better economy. It is simple really.
MetroSexual Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:3,004 Points:316,380 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:10:18 PM Ignore MetroSexual Report Abuse Mine has nearly doubled in the last five years from $0.08/kWh to $0.149/kWh. The only saving grace this year is that the weather has been mild. No telling what summer may bring, though.
HYEgasCA Champion Author Fresno Posts:2,111 Points:909,250 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:06:53 PM Ignore HYEgasCA Report Abuse Hey Bcok!! how about you pay for those incentives out of your pocket. Solar is one of the most expensive ways in producing electricity. I'm so sick an tired of you guys spitting out liberal rhetoric. Learn more about solar before you come on here thinking you know what your talking about. Oh and can I get your "It should help a great many Americans for decades to come." in a contract that's backed up with $100k.
CdnLynx Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,020 Points:523,005 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:06:35 PM Ignore CdnLynx Report Abuse Judgemobile: > Natural gas, this year is going down in price due to mild winter throughout N. America; my natural gas furnace has been on a minimal amount of time. Natural gas is primarily used to heat homes & business. Once consumption returns or increase for any other reasons, then you will see prices to climb.
judgemobile Champion Author Ohio Posts:7,565 Points:2,444,160 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:06:12 PM Ignore judgemobile Report Abuse oil goes UP AND UP; natural gas goes DOWN AND DOWN--pls explain the disparity.
onegiraffeAL Champion Author Alabama Posts:1,015 Points:428,425 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:05:39 PM Ignore onegiraffeAL Report Abuse Wow. I would take average price. Mine is double that.
tippybuddy Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,523 Points:207,740 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:04:43 PM Ignore tippybuddy Report Abuse yes why does the prices go up and up except for Nat gas
kgbellman Champion Author Ann Arbor Posts:2,703 Points:730,640 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 9:01:17 PM Ignore kgbellman Report Abuse Higher cost plus higher usage from electronics
judgemobile Champion Author Ohio Posts:7,565 Points:2,444,160 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:58:18 PM Ignore judgemobile Report Abuse no one explains why oil goes up and up while NAT GAS goes down and down
bcok Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,116 Points:1,542,545 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:56:40 PM Ignore bcok Report Abuse Get low cost labor and better incentives to install solar panals. It should help a great many Americans for decades to come.
Pumpz Sophomore Author Boston Posts:197 Points:887,125 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:55:58 PM Ignore Pumpz Report Abuse Record low natural gas and increasing reliance on natural gas for electricity = higher prices. Sure.
Beaveronparade Champion Author Hartford Posts:2,102 Points:634,115 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:55:42 PM Ignore Beaveronparade Report Abuse My electricity bill sure has gone up a lot! News said rates were going down but I sure haven't seen that reflected in my bill!
jessek Champion Author Detroit Posts:2,657 Points:1,280,490 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:54:09 PM Ignore jessek Report Abuse How much is due to the additional electronics we are using.
mitchell6597 Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:3,462 Points:728,360 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:52:49 PM Ignore mitchell6597 Report Abuse They get us coming and going!
bif65 Champion Author Virginia Posts:1,023 Points:195,230 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:52:48 PM Ignore bif65 Report Abuse ok
TXryder Champion Author Texas Posts:2,704 Points:431,755 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:51:04 PM Ignore TXryder Report Abuse Electric cars - green energy... Ugh electrical generation is primarily from fossil fuels. oh yeah real green real independent. You poor sheep voted for tea party republicans who are backed by Koch and vow to kill any attempt for regulation to protect us the consumer. So you got what you voted for, So stop complaining! Now gas up, use your household electricity, deal with you inflation of consumer goods and fork it over. [Edited by: TXryder at 3/15/2012 11:53:45 PM EST]
davenles Champion Author Texas Posts:3,191 Points:716,935 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:50:43 PM Ignore davenles Report Abuse Everything has taken a big jump in price.
dcjauburn Champion Author Sacramento Posts:12,438 Points:2,238,615 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:50:06 PM Ignore dcjauburn Report Abuse exactly the reason for the consumer to install wind or solar power at their home.
Saturn93 Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:7,292 Points:1,640,885 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:49:35 PM Ignore Saturn93 Report Abuse Energy expenditures are up, but what about consumption?
n3tbc Veteran Author Wilmington Posts:355 Points:332,825 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:47:48 PM Ignore n3tbc Report Abuse The emission shell game.
IUVidiot Champion Author Indiana Posts:3,580 Points:707,385 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:46:59 PM Ignore IUVidiot Report Abuse ok
mudtoe Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:9,491 Points:1,287,595 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:45:14 PM Ignore mudtoe Report Abuse Just think how much electricity would cost if cap and tax had passed. mudtoe
SparkieMi Champion Author Kalamazoo Posts:3,256 Points:586,960 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:45:09 PM Ignore SparkieMi Report Abuse Surprise, surprise...
passin_gas2011 All-Star Author Ohio Posts:750 Points:141,595 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 8:43:52 PM Ignore passin_gas2011 Report Abuse my bill went up about $80.00,,its crazy