We worked very hard to get our kWh usage down to less than 1,000 kWh per month. Hanging our clothes our to dry, instead of using the dryer, is what finally did it for us.   Our electric bill runs around $60 per month, and half of that is access fees and taxes.

We keep this chart up to date, and you can read the details of our 2006-2007 energy audit, where we document our reduction process.  We went from 2500 kWh a month to a twelve month average of 879 kWh.

People often ask if we have solar power.  We don't.  We use a solar hot water heater, which shaves a lot off our monthly bill.  At this time, installing a solar power system would cost roughly $35,000, and would take over 40 years to pay for itself.  If we ever own an electric car, it may become worth it, but for now a total PV system is cost prohibitive.