SunRay Wrote:
I moved about 6 months ago and the house I'm in is getting outrageously big energy bills. Not just, "Wow, that's a big bill..." More like "Holy smokes that's more expensive than payments on a new Porsche!" big. I called PG&E and they gave me the same ol' "turn down your thermostat and use Flex hours and blah, blah, blah." Well, my thermostat is set to 62 and I've done all the other obvious energy saving stuff and my bill didn't get any lower. I called back, and PG&E told me to hire an "energy auditor" to show me how to lower my bills. The bill is so high I just know there's something wrong with the meter, or there is a gas leak, or I'm paying the bill for the whole street without knowing it, or something like that. Can anyone recommend an energy auditor who can check out my house and figure out what is going on? A little editorial: It is really disappointing that PG&E won't do more to help me figure out what is wrong. They just assume I'm the cause of the problem and don't offer up any assistance. Of course I'm trying to save money, but I'm also trying to do the green thing and save energy. You'd think they would help with that!

Kat Wrote:
I have a friend who works for the state of California, and she recommended this resource for starters: http://www.energy.ca.gov/reports/efficiency_handbooks/400-00-001C.PDF I personally do not know of any businesses in the area (aside from PG&E) who might undertake this project, but I'm actually intrigued by this member's request. Are there any local businesses who do this sort of thing?

Neighbor99857 Wrote:
For sure you can request PG&E inspect to make sure you don't have a gas leak! They also have an energy audit team that will come do an assessment for you. Ask for a manager.

JimC Wrote:
Hey Hal, Here are some things you can try before calling a consultant: 1. compare the meter readings on your bill to your electric and gas meters. Sometimes the meter readers make a mistake. If they can't get to the meter they will estimate it. 2. moving from a house with gas appliances to a house with electric dryer and water heater can shoot up the bill. A tired refrigerator can draw a lot of current. 3. Turn off all your electric items in the house and check to see if the meter is still running. If it is there is still something drawing current. Continue unplugging until you get it to stop. As you plug stuff back in you can see what your biggest user is. This procedure works good for gas and water as well. For gas and water, if you have everything off and the meter is still running you've got a leak in a pipe or running toilet or dripping sink. 4. Check those extension cords running from your house to the neighbors. Might be a problem. 5. I have a neighbor who I worked with at SunMicro who does energy audit consulting for large companies. I'll see if he has any recommendations. - Jim

Neighbor98103 Wrote:
Hi Hal, In theory you can do the audit yourself, I believe you just unplug everything and inspect your meter, it should stop spinning. Likewise with your gas, though pilot flames are a pain to relight, you can still turn it all off and verify no meter activity. I believe everything on your side of the meter is your responsibility. PG&E must fix everything on their side. If you have an unexplained gas or electrical drain then it is potentially dangerous, so don't delay. The most common wasteful electrical drains are old freezers and refrigerators. For gas it is an old furnaces and water heaters. Good luck! -rich