Over the course of a couple of years, we have added 21 SEER mini-split heat pumps, home automation to control every outlet, light and thermostat, a 3 hp variable speed pool pump, heavy insulation, inverter refrigerators, convection oven, and instant hot water heaters to reduce our energy consumption. We still have more we can do. New windows, more insulation, and better sealing would do a lot for our air conditioning costs. I’ve included a spreadsheet and chart with a couple of days in a hot month showing the kW we use vs. the kW we produce. We are charging our electric cars but with Covid-19, we only have to charge every couple of days due to not driving every day.
The fuel charge for Duke Energy is currently low but increases in kW cost have compensated for some of the drops in fuel costs. Currently $.13-.15 per kW. As fuel costs return to normal, we will likely be in the $.17 to .18 per kilowatt rate for over 1,000 kW and a couple of cents cheaper on < 1,000 kW. These rates include all costs billed. Duke will buy our extra power at .06 per kW at the end of each calendar year.
Considering we had a high of $500 and an average of $300 a month in electric costs prior to the changes and solar, we are very happy with the results and considering the jumps in kW costs over the last several years, our average costs would have been even higher.
