It’s a question many of us have asked: Why is my electricity bill so high when I’m not even home? Even when we’re away from home, our electricity usage often doesn’t drop as much as we might expect. Understanding the factors behind your electric bill can help you identify where the power is being used — even when you’re not around.
Understanding Your Bill: It’s Not Just About Being Home
Electricity is a constant cost in any household, even when you’re not present. You might notice that your bill seems high despite being away for a while. If you take a close look at the bottom of your bill, you’ll see your KW (kilowatt) usage for the month. This figure helps you understand how much energy you’ve consumed.
Many people reach out to us at the light department with concerns that their bill is higher than last year. While it’s true that usage fluctuates month to month, your overall usage usually stays consistent, especially within a given month. If you compare your current KW usage to last month’s, you may find that the difference isn’t as drastic as the bill suggests.
This pattern of consistent usage is tied to human habits — we often keep our homes running as usual, even when we’re not there.
Even When You're Away, Your Home Still Uses Power
You might think that when you’re not home, you’re not using electricity. However, unless you’ve completely turned off the power to your home (which we do not recommend), your home continues to use electricity even when you’re away.
Here’s why:
Lights and Appliances: The most obvious culprits are lights, but modern LED lighting is actually very energy-efficient. So, even if lights are left on, they’re not a significant factor in your bill. The real issue lies in other appliances that are constantly drawing power, like refrigerators, televisions, and devices plugged into outlets.
Hot Water Heater: One of the biggest energy consumers when you’re not at home is your electric hot water heater. Even if you’re not using water, the heater still cycles on to maintain the set temperature. This can significantly increase your electricity bill, even though you’re using less water.
Sump Pumps: If your home has a sump pump, it continues to operate even when you’re not around, especially in areas with fluctuating water tables.
How to Reduce Your Bill When You’re Away
Energy-Efficient Appliances: Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances is one of the most effective ways to lower your bill. Items like water heaters, refrigerators, and sump pumps can be found in energy-efficient models that consume far less power.
Programmable Thermostats: If you use electric heat or air conditioning, consider installing a programmable thermostat that adjusts the temperature while you’re away.
Unplug Devices: Appliances and electronics continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. Unplugging devices or using a power strip with a switch can help reduce this “phantom” energy use.
Rebates for Energy-Efficient Appliances: At Merrimac Light Department (MMLD), we want to help you save on your electricity bill. We offer rebates twice a year for qualifying energy-efficient purchases. Visit our website for a list of qualifying products and the form to claim your rebate.