just for reference, here's the usage on my house for the 5 months (since I bought it):
April:
1730 kWH used
average price (before taxes) 13.44 cents/kWH
May:
1812 kWH used
average price (before taxes) 13.41 cents/kWH
June:
2999 kWH used (you can tell when it started getting hot in Texas)
average price (before taxes) 13.20 cents/kwH
July:
3659 kWH used
average price (before taxes) 13.14 cents/kWH
August:
3732 kWH used
average price (before taxes) 13.13 cents/kWH
this is starting to get really expensive for me (over $500 a month after taxes), so i'm interested in reducing my usage as well. obviously, for us, the major use comes from air conditioners, considering we've had near constant 100+ degree heat in Dallas for the past 3 months. I have a 3-zone AC system in a 3300 sq ft house, 1 zone upstairs and 2 downstairs. We have a small baby, so we've been trying to keep it between 70-72 while we're home and 80 while we're away, but that doesn't seem to be working. I've recently told my wife I want to try 74 while we're at home and 85 while we're away to see if it has any impact. I don't have any computers running 24/7, but I do have a beer fridge in the garage. plus, we've been using CFL's for the main usage lights, but we still have incandescents where they are seldom used. has anybody done any research on radiant barrier technology, or the new permafrost AC additive which are both supposed to increase your energy efficiency? and also, damage, how did you find the baseline for your area? to be fair, the energy market in texas was deregulated a couple of years ago, and prices have done nothing but go up and up and up...