Utility Bill Creep

I averaged my monthly utility bills to track the ups and downs since 2004. Our electric bill rose 50%. Our cable bill doubled. Our water bill remained the same. Our internet bill rose 30%. Total utility bills rose 30% over the past 13 years.

Utilities are Georgia Power electric, Georgia Natural Gas, DeKalb water, AT&T phones, Earthlink internet wifi and Comcast cable,

These are bills for a 1976, upgraded 3 story home with 4000 square feet on a 1 acre lot, with outside lights and a watering system in a subdivision in Dunwoody GA.

In 2004, our electric bill was $167, cable was $50, Gas was $120. Phone was $80. Water was $100, Internet $40 Total utilities $557.

In 2008, our electric bill was $191, cable was $60, Gas was $167. Phone was $80. Water was $43. Internet Wifi was $76. Total utilities $617.

In 2012, our electric bill was $308, cable was $72, Gas was $100. Phone was $100. Water was $90. Internet Wifi was $77. Total utilities $747.

In 2017, our electric bill was $254, cable was $100, Gas was $100. Phone was $95. Water was $110. Internet Wifi was $63. Total utilities $722.

Utilities, like government, are monopolies regulated by the PSC. I expect utility costs will continue to rise to cover utility costs going forward.  Rebuilding telephony has been completed with cell phones, smart phones and electronic enhancements. Rebuilding older infrastructure for water and sewer line replacement is slowly being done. Rebuilding internet infrastructure with broadband and fiber optic cable is being done currently.  Rebuilding the electric grid is in the planning stages. Building cost for Nuclear power plants is unsustainable, but Coal power plants are back.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader