Here in South Central Texas, February temperatures often bring to mind that old holiday song about “frightful” weather. Granted, we’re fortunate compared to other areas of the U.S. in that we don’t have to cope with a great deal of snow or ice, but we do get our share of frigid air and frosted-over mornings. When that Texas wind gets to whipping on a frozen February day, we often don’t feel like we’re missing out on much in terms of inclement winter weather compared to other regions of the country.
A Month to Month Contrast in Weather
There’s no doubt about it—February here can be downright cold. Our AC/heating systems certainly tend to like March weather better—after the chill of February, March usually provides a bit of a breather for our heaters. March is generally not warm enough to warrant switching on the air conditioner, and that provides some welcome relief for our wallets—eventually.
When the Bill for February Cold Comes Due
When that first warm, sunny March day comes along, it’s easy to forget that your March electric bill will not be based on any temperate weather we may experience as the calendar rolls over. Instead, GVEC electric bills are based on a 30 or 31-day billing period, and most—if not all—of the days on your March bill will have occurred in February. In fact, if you look closely at any GVEC electric bill, you’ll see that the last day you were charged for service in the current billing cycle (the “Service Dates”) will be somewhere between seven and 14 days before the “Billing Date.”
But you’ll have to think back further to understand how February and even late-January cold can affect your March electric bill. Your bill could include weather that happened 4-6 weeks before the billing date. It’s not hard to see why relying on what the weather’s offering the day you receive a bill or in the days leading up to a bill isn’t a dependable way to predict the amount you’ll be charged.
If your March electric bill turns out to be bigger than you expected, don’t let it get you down. Your April bill will include much of the hopefully mild weather we often enjoy during March in South Central Texas.
Always remember that efficiency matters, too, and can make a difference on your bill no matter the season. For year-round tips on cutting usage, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or visit gvec.org. You can also call one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives at 800.223.4832. They’re always happy to discuss your bill with you and address any questions or concerns you may have about it.
Contact Me by Phone, Email or Mail
I am always interested in your comments and feedback. Contact me by phone at 830.857.1152, by email at dschauer@gvec.org or by mail at P.O. Box 118, Gonzales, Texas 78629.
