Calculate How Much Decorations Will Cost In Electricity
POSTED: Tuesday, November 28, 2006
HOUSTON -- Bright lights, inflatable snowmen, and don't forget that electric train around the Christmas tree -- getting your home in the holiday spirit is not free. Some of KPRC Local 2's viewers are asking investigative reporter Amy Davis just how much your electric bill will jump from the extra voltage.
There's nothing like a big light bill to put the brakes on your holiday display. But, how do you know in advance just how many strings of lights to use or how many hours to keep them on?
One electric provider is helping to scrooge-proof your Christmas.
Melissa and Jason Southerland have gone all out at their northwest Harris County home. There's a flashy helicopter flying overhead and reindeer on the ground. So, how much will this type of holiday spirit set you back?
Log onto TXU Energy's
holiday calculator to crunch the numbers.
KPRC tested it out.
They entered seven strings of 100-bulb mini-lights, two 25-bulb strings and one spotlight and turned on the lights for three hours a day.
The TXU Energy calculator said it would cost an additional $9.45 a month.
Davis said you don't have to be a TXU customer to use the calculator. But the estimates are based on an average 14 cents per kilowatt. Check your electric bill to find out if yours is more or less.
More Information: If you have a consumer question to "Ask Amy," send her an e-mail.
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