December 31, 2013

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It was a little warmer than expected yesterday — but not much. The forecast called for a high of 42°. By 3 p.m., it was 43°.

I doubt it got any warmer than that. And then last night's low was supposed to be 28°. I don't know if it got that low or not, but it was 29° when I got up so, if it didn't reach the anticipated low, it only missed by a degree.

If today plays out as expected, the temperature will be in the mid–50s. Tomorrow is expected to be in the 60s.

This morning's meter reading is 13597. Yesterday's reading was 13555 so my consumption in the last 24 hours was 42 kWh. That is 16% lower than the previous 24 hours, and it is 35% higher than this date a year ago.

December 30, 2013

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The cold front arrived as expected around midday, and temperatures plunged from the upper 40s around noon to the upper 30s by 5 p.m. And I know it got cold last night, but I couldn't say how cold. The forecast called for upper 20s.

I knew my electricity consumption would go up.

This morning's meter reading is 13555. Yesterday's reading was 13505 so my consumption was 50 kWh. That is more than three times my consumption in the previous 24 hours, and it is 25% more than my consumption on this date last year.

December 29, 2013

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As expected, the temperature got into the 60s yesterday. In fact, it was 60° by 1 p.m. The low was probably in the upper 30s or lower 40s.

Things are expected to change radically today and tomorrow. Highs are supposed to be in the 40s, and lows are expected to be in the 20s.

For now, though, my electricity consumption continues to drop.

This morning's meter reading is 13505. Yesterday's reading was 13490 so my consumption in the last 24 hours was 15 kWh. That is 21% lower than the previous 24 hours — and 70% lower than this day in 2012.

December 28, 2013

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The temperature was in the upper 50s yesterday; a high of 62° or better is expected today, and the low is expected to be 41°.

Then the temperature is expected to drop into the 40s tomorrow and Monday, with lows in the 20s. Then the forecast says we will start warming up again on Tuesday.

For now, though, my electricity consumption continues to fall.

This morning's meter reading is 13490. Yesterday's reading was 13471. My consumption in the last 24 hours was 19 kWh, almost 21% lower than the previous 24 hours, and it is 24% lower than my consumption on this date in 2012.

December 27, 2013

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The weather has been gradually warming, as the forecasters predicted.

Before 3 p.m. yesterday, the temperature was in the mid–50s.

This morning's meter reading is 13471. Yesterday's reading was 13447. Thus, consumption was 24 kWh. That is a drop of nearly 19% since yesterday, and it is about half my consumption on this date last year.

December 26, 2013

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Yesterday was another mild day — once the sun came out. In fact, I think the temperature got close to 60°.

Last night, though, it dipped below freezing. When I got up this morning, the temperature was 31°.

Fifties are expected today and tomorrow, then it is supposed to be above 60° on Saturday before starting to drop again. The next three nights are expected to stay above freezing, then the nighttime lows will drop some more.

This morning's meter reading is 13447. Yesterday's reading was between 13417 and 13418 so my consumption was 29½ kWh. That is a drop of 3% from yesterday's consumption level.

Last year's consumption is hard to verify since I wasn't able to get a clear photo of my meter on Dec. 25, 2012, but it looks like my consumption is less than half what it was last year on this date.

December 25, 2013

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The weather really has been getting gradually better the last few days.

It has been more seasonable than it was when temperatures at night were dipping to around 25° and daytime highs were in the 30s. It was 40° when I got up this morning, and the current forecast calls for a high in the mid–50s. If that pans out, I probably will visit my mother's grave this afternoon.

This morning's meter reading is between 13417 and 13418. Yesterday's reading was 13387 so consumption was 30½ kWh. That is nearly 32% lower than the previous 24 hours.

Because of the conditions on this day last year, I wasn't able to get a good photograph of my meter, but I was able to read it, and I determined that my consumption on this day in 2012 was 22 kWh so my usage is nearly 39% higher now than it was then.

But we were embarking on a much colder period on this day last year — whereas, as I mentioned before, temperatures this year are expected to rise. So my expectation is that I will see a continued decline in current consumption, and it shouldn't be long before I am doing better than I was in late 2012.

December 24, 2013

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It was a little warmer yesterday. It got into the upper 40s with sunny skies in the afternoon, but it plunged back into the 20s last night.

Today is expected to be a little warmer, around 51°, and tonight's low is supposed to be in the 30s. The expected trend is for gradually warmer temperatures through the weekend.

This morning's meter reading is 13387. Yesterday's reading was 13341 so consumption was 46 kWh in the last 24 hours.

That's a 4% drop compared to the previous 24 hours, but it is more than double my consumption on this date a year ago.

December 23, 2013

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We had sunny skies but colder temperatures yesterday. The high might have made it to 43°, but mostly it was in the 30s. Last night was cold, with temperatures probably dropping below freezing. It was 28° when I got up this morning.

Conditions are expected to gradually improve this week with 50s just about every day.

This morning's meter reading is 13341. Yesterday's reading was 13293 so consumption was 48 kWh. That is more than double my consumption of the previous 24 hours. And it is four times my consumption on this date in 2012.

December 22, 2013

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The temperature was in the 40s most of the day yesterday, possibly rising as high as 50°, then it dipped into the 30s last night.

The rain, however, ended many hours ago.

The forecast calls for highs in the 40s today and tomorrow, then back in the 50s. The lows will be below freezing tonight and tomorrow night, they say, then a few degrees above freezing on Christmas Eve.

This morning's meter reading is 13293. Yesterday's reading (even though I wasn't able to get a picture of it) was 13271 so consumption was 22 kWh, about 37% higher than both my consumption 24 hours ago and my consumption on this day last year.

December 21, 2013

The temperature got into the 70s yesterday, but it dropped steadily in the afternoon, and it probably fell to the low 40s, if not the upper 30s, last night.

It also rained during the night, and it has continued to rain this morning. It is nearly 9 a.m. as I write this. I just got back from trying to photograph my meter. It is cold and wet and rather dark, and I got tired of standing in wet water trying to get a readable photo. But I did read it for myself.

You'll just have to take my word for it.

This morning's meter reading is 13271. Yesterday's reading was 13255 so consumption was 16 kWh. My consumption more than doubled in the last 24 hours. But it is almost 45% lower than my consumption on this day in 2012.

December 20, 2013

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The weather really has been very pleasant the last few days. Yesterday's high was in the mid–70s, and the temperature was in the upper 60s when I got up this morning.

Looks like we may be in for a siege of winter weather now. In the next week, there may be occasions when the nighttime low dips below freezing, and daytime highs are expected to be in the 40s and 50s.

The immediate forecast says the temperature will drop to around 50° by this afternoon.

This morning's meter reading is 13255. Yesterday's reading was 13248 so consumption in the last 24 hours has been 7 kWh. That is 21% lower than my consumption in the previous 24 hours and precisely the same as my consumption on this day last year.

December 19, 2013

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The temperature definitely got into the 70s yesterday afternoon. It got a little cold last night, but not nearly as cold as it has been. The low probably was in the mid–50s.

This morning's meter reading is 13248. Yesterday's reading was between 13238 and 13239 so consumption dipped below double digits (9½ kWh). That's a drop of 34% compared to the previous 24–hour period, which is good, but it is still more than 46% higher than my consumption a year ago.

December 18, 2013

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The temperature yesterday got into the upper 60s. While it was cold last night, it wasn't as cold as it has been. In fact, it may not have dropped below 40°.

This morning's meter reading is between 13238 and 13239. Yesterday's reading was 13224 so consumption was 14½ kWh. That's a drop of more than 9% compared to the previous 24 hours, but it is 38% higher than my consumption on this date last year.

December 17, 2013

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After a cold start, yesterday turned out to be a mild, sunny day. When I checked the temperature around 3 p.m., it was in the mid–60s.

It was another cool night, with temperatures in the 40s.

This morning's meter reading is 13224. Yesterday's reading was 13208. Thus, my consumption was 16 kWh, a 33% drop from the previous 24 hours, but it was twice my consumption of a year ago.

December 16, 2013

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The sun came out yesterday and probably made it feel warmer than it actually was, but it really did get up to at least 61°.

The forecast only called for 50s so that is an encouraging sign for the rest of the week. Sixties are expected most of the week — possibly 70° on Thursday — then it is supposed to get cold again this weekend.

It remained in the 30s last night, but nighttime lows are supposed to be milder for the next few days, which should bring my electricity consumption down.

This morning's meter reading is 13208. Yesterday's reading was 13184 so consumption was 24 kWh. That's a drop of 25% from the day before, but it is still more than triple my consumption on this day last year.

As far as I'm concerned, it can get much warmer.

December 15, 2013

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For much of the day yesterday, the sky was cloudy, and that kept the warmth of the sun from improving the temperature in my apartment. My heat ran much more yesterday morning and into the early afternoon than I would have preferred.

But then the sun came out around 2 p.m., and I'm sure my heat ran less frequently than it did Friday, when it was gray and cold all day.

It probably wasn't much warmer yesterday than it was the day before, but it felt warmer, thanks to the sun that came streaming through my windows. The temperature probably never got above 43° or 44°.

This morning's meter reading is 13184. Yesterday's reading was 13152. Consumption in the last 24 hours was 32 kWh. That is an increase of nearly 5% compared to the previous 24 hours. And it is more than five times higher than my consumption on this date last year.

December 14, 2013

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The temperature was practically unchanged yesterday from the day before, but there was no sun, just clouds, which made it feel colder.

If the forecasters are correct, today will be the last day for temperatures to remain below 50° — for a week, anyway.

Today's forecast high is expected to be 44°, which happens to be the temperature as I write this. It is expected to dip below freezing tonight, then tomorrow's high is supposed to be 53°. Currently, highs in the 60s are expected from Monday through Friday.

This morning's meter reading is 13152. Yesterday's reading was between 13121 and 13122 so consumption was 30½ kWh. That's an increase of more than 32% over yesterday's consumption, and it is almost four times my consumption a year ago.

December 13, 2013

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It is still cold around here but not nearly as cold as it was. The remnants of the ice storm are gone today. It's a little drizzly but far too warm for the precipitation to adversely affect traffic the way ice can.

The temperature was in the upper 40s, possibly low 50s yesterday. While it got cold last night, I think it must have stayed above freezing. Whatever traces of ice that remained when I went to bed last night were gone this morning.

This morning's meter reading is between 13121 and 13122. Yesterday's reading was between 13098 and 13099. That means consumption in the last 24 hours was 23 kWh, a 33% drop from the previous 24 hours, but it was about 39% higher than this time last year.

Warmer temperatures are in the forecast. Highs this weekend should be around 50°, then the forecast calls for 60s Monday through Thursday.

December 12, 2013

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Yesterday was the warmest day we've had in a week. By 2 p.m., the temperature was 47°, and just about all the remaining ice disappeared.

Well, except for the ice on the stairs leading from my apartment to the ground floor — and similar stairs in this apartment complex (and, I suppose, others) that are well hidden from the sun and are the last things to thaw. If the forecasts are correct, those holdouts will probably clear up today (tomorrow at the latest). I hope so. I can get out of my apartment, but I have to go to another set of stairs that are so well hidden they didn't even get much ice during the storm — so there wasn't as much that needed to thaw — but they are farther from my apartment door. They amount to taking the long way down, but, currently, they represent the only solution. Good thing, too. I have to give a final exam today.

Anyway ...

This morning's meter reading is between 13098 and 13099. Yesterday's reading was between 13063 and 13064 so consumption was 35 kWh. That is 10 kWh higher than this day last year. (Hopefully, I can start doing percentages again tomorrow or this weekend.)

December 11, 2013

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I was on campus most of the day yesterday. I went in around 8:30 and I was there until 5. My understanding is that the temperature got up around 38° or 39°, and by the time I got home, much of the ice in the apartment complex had melted off.

It was dark, though, so my picture yesterday was hard to read. This morning's reading is clearer, but it represents the consumption of the last 15 hours, not 24. Hopefully, by this weekend, I'll be back in my old routine.

This morning's meter reading is between 13063 and 13064. The reading roughly 15 hours ago was 13027, about 36½ kWh. Projected over 24 hours, that would be about 58 kWh.

December 10, 2013

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The temperature hovered just above the freezing mark most of the day yesterday, then plummeted into the 20s last night.

A gradual warming trend is predicted this week, as I wrote yesterday. Today's forecast called for a high of 41°, but that is what we have been told for the last couple of days only to see it fall far short.

I don't know much about today's conditions. Everything was still frozen when I left the apartment this morning, and I couldn't get over to check my meter before I had to leave. I was on campus from 9 a.m. until after 5 p.m., helping finish the last edition of the student newspaper. By the time I got home, it was dark, which accounts for the quality of today's photo.

Anyway ...

Today's meter reading appears to be 13027. Yesterday's meter reading was between 12965 and 12966. That is roughly 61½ kWh. Note: Because I was unavailable for most of the daylight hours today, my readings allowed for nearly 30 hours, not the usual 24.

December 9, 2013

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Conditions have thawed out enough for me to check my meter.

Today's meter reading is between 12965 and 12966. The last time I was able to check my meter was Thursday morning, when the reading was between 12713 and 12714. So, over the last four days, my average daily consumption was 63 kWh.

I'm sure my consumption was higher on Friday and Saturday, when the nighttime lows (as well as the daytime highs) were at their lowest. It has been warmer the last couple of days.

And the forecast suggests that the temperature will get warmer still this week. Today and tomorrow are expected to be in the 30s, but then Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are expected to be in the 40s with temperatures in the 50s by this weekend.

Nighttime lows are expected to remain below freezing for the next three nights.

December 8, 2013

The streets seem to be clearing, but my stairs are still glazed over and, even if I could get to the ground level, it probably would be hazardous trying to get to my meter. I expect to be able to do that again tomorrow.

The temperatures haven't been above freezing since some time Thursday afternoon, I guess, but that is expected to change today. The forecast high is 36°, and the current temperature is 30°.

Based on previous experience, when I do finally get the chance to read my meter, I expect my average daily electricity consumption — even though I have tried to keep my thermostat as low as possible — to be 40–50 kWh, maybe more.

December 7, 2013

The actual winter storm is over, and, if the forecasters are correct, temperatures will be well above freezing tomorrow.

In the meantime, we must put up with sub–freezing temperatures and the lingering effects of the frozen precipitation that fell Thursday night and Friday morning.

Once again, it appears to be too treacherous to attempt to read my meter. I will try to do it tomorrow — forecasts are calling for a high of 40°.

December 6, 2013

This is one of those rare occasions when I don't have a picture to post.

The reason is the weather. We got some freezing rain last night, and there are too many obstacles between me and my meter — the frozen–over stairs that separate me from the ground level, the uphill walk to my meter, and several potentially hazardous spots that are out of my view from my apartment.

It was cold yesterday and last night, low to mid–30s — and, even though it was 80° on Wednesday, apparently the ground was cold enough for the precipitation to stick.

The current temperature is 27°, and forecasts indicate that the temperature won't go above freezing until tomorrow or Sunday.

December 5, 2013

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The cold front has arrived — as predicted — and we will soon see if the forecast of wintry precipitation will come true as well.

Officially, it was 80° here yesterday. It was in the 60s and 70s for several days prior to that. I find it hard to believe the ground is cold enough for the precipitation to make travel dangerous, but that is what the forecasters are talking about for the next few days.

FYI, the temperature is 36° as I write this. For the first time in maybe a week or more, my heat kicked on during the night. I expected an increase in electricity consumption when I checked my meter. I was right.

This morning's meter reading is between 12713 and 12714. Yesterday's reading was 12701 so my consumption was 12½ kWh, slightly more than twice my consumption in the previous 24 hours and a little under twice my consumption compared to this date last year.

December 4, 2013

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The temperature was in the 70s yesterday, and more of the same is expected today — but then things are supposed to turn colder in a hurry.

By this weekend, the forecasts are suggesting, daytime highs will be in the low 30s, nighttime lows will be in the 20s, and freezing rain is a distinct possibility.

High electricity consumption seems unavoidable this weekend — assuming, of course, that the freezing rain doesn't knock out power altogether — but, for now, my consumption has remained in single digits.

This morning's meter reading is 12701. Yesterday's reading was 12695 so my consumption in the last 24 hours was 6 kWh, which is 25% less than the previous 24 hours and 33% lower than this date last year.

December 3, 2013

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Today is likely to be the warmest day of this week. Forecasts say it will be in the upper 70s today, then it will be in the lower 70s tomorrow, 40s on Thursday and at or near freezing (with freezing rain) on Friday.

The temperature was only supposed to get to 69° yesterday, but it got into the 70s before the sun went down.

This morning's meter reading is 12695. Yesterday's reading was 12687. That means consumption was 8 kWh, an increase of less than 7% compared to the previous 24 hours and 20% lower than this date in 2012.

December 2, 2013

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The milder weather is here until about Thursday or Friday.

The temperature got into the upper 60s yesterday. When I woke up this morning, the temperature was 45°. I expected my electricity consumption to drop, and it did.

This morning's meter reading is 12687. Yesterday's reading was between 12679 and 12680 so consumption was 7½ kWh — 25% lower than yesterday and this date last year.

December 1, 2013

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The temperature finally broke into the 60s yesterday. It was 66° by the middle of the afternoon.

And it was milder at night than it has been. It was in the 50s when I got up this morning.

That is the pattern that is expected through this week, then it will turn colder by the weekend. Well, that is what the forecasters say.

This morning's meter reading is between 12679 and 12680. Yesterday's meter reading was between 12669 and 12670 so my consumption in the last 24 hours was 10 kWh. That's a 20% drop.

But it is about 25% higher than it was a year ago.