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DSO Electric Cooperative Inc. | 201 Dakota Drive | Solomon, KS 67480 | PO Box 286 | 1-800-376-3533

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A Potpourri of Topics

Potpourri
Tuesday | February 14, 2023

A Potpourri of Topics
By Marla Marshall

Why Did My Bill Go Up?

The average DSO residential account uses just under 1,100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month, but we all have those months when our usage goes up substantially.  Since most of us use the energy one month and pay for it the next, it is easy to forget how it was used.  We tend to forget what the weather was like or forget that we ran space heaters for a day or two.  DSO personnel handle multiple calls each month from members that experienced a higher-than-normal bill but often can’t recall doing anything differently.  And in truth, they may not have done anything differently; it may be simply because it was hotter or colder than “normal” and the AC or furnace ran more often.

Just be aware that, if you add a hot tub, your electric bill will go up.  If you run space heaters for additional warmth, your electric bill will go (way) up.  Below is a list of the top five most common appliances, listed in order of typical monthly energy consumption:

  • Central Air Conditioner (1,450 kWh)
  • Water Heater (310 kWh)
  • Refrigerator (205 kWh)
  • Dryer (75 kWh)
  • Oven Range (58 kWh)

Source: inspirecleanenergy.com

Have You Considered Prepay?

In case you didn’t already know, DSO offers a unique payment option you might want to consider.  Rather than waiting for your bill to arrive AFTER you used electricity, you can pay for the electricity BEFORE you use it; we call this our Prepay service!  With Prepay, you “fill up” your electricity account with the amount of electricity you want.  This can work well, especially if you have a tight budget.

Smarthub

Whether you pay for your electricity the traditional way or switch to Prepay, you can always monitor your usage daily (by using the Smarthub app*) to see the effect a space heater (or whatever) has on your electric bill.  DSO strongly encourages its members to think about how you use energy and conserve where you can.

* Smarthub is available to all DSO members.  Go to dsoelectric.com to sign up.  It is under My Home> Smarthub Signup Instructions.

Energy-Saving Tips

  • Cover drafty windows
  • Adjust the temperature when no one is home (get a programmable thermostat)
  • Insulate properly and seal any leaks
  • Schedule regular service for your heating and cooling systems
  • Use less hot water
  • Use ceiling fans
  • Unplug appliances when not in use (or shut off with the use of a power strip)
  • Buy energy-efficient appliances

If you have questions on anything in this article, please give us a call or send us an email.

News & Updates

Thursday | May 1, 2025

Save Money - Sign Up for the Interruptible Rate

Do you want a lower electric bill? If so, then the interruptible rate may be right for you!
more
Thursday | April 10, 2025

Highlights from 2024

Here is a recap of the noteworthy events at DSO in 2024.
more
Monday | March 3, 2025

Wildfire Mitigation

Lately there has been a lot of discussion and news coverage on wildfires, especially in the western United States.
more
Monday | February 3, 2025

ELECTRICITY IS STILL A GREAT VALUE!

Inflation, right???!!!  Miserable. Undeniable. Backbreaking Inflation.
more
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Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

DSO Electric Cooperative, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives is a national network of electric cooperatives across 46 states that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member cooperatives and their employees better engage and serve their members. By working together, Touchstone Energy cooperatives stand as a source of power and information to their 32 million member-owners every day.

©2025 DSO Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • About Us
    • Cold Weather Rule
    • Vision, Mission, & Core Values
    • Members Policies
    • Bylaws / Rules & Regulations
    • Cooperative History
    • Seven Cooperative Principles
    • Capital Credits
    • Rates
    • Forms
      • Auto Pay
      • Apply for Service
      • Budget Billing Plan
      • Light Outage Form
      • Prepaid Agreement
      • Request for Donation Form
    • Employment
    • Contact Us
    • Directors and Consultants
  • My Home
    • Why Is My Bill So High?
    • Energy Savings
      • Energy Saving Tips
    • Office and Payment Locations
    • Payment Options
    • Residential Budget Billing
    • Transfer Service
    • Smarthub Signup Instructions
  • My Business
    • Energy Saving Strategies
    • Sector Reports
    • Technology Applications
  • Outage Map
  • Products & Services
    • Co-op Connections Card
    • Air Source Heat Pumps
    • Geothermal Heat Pump
      • Heat Pump Rebates
      • Certificate of Installation
    • Water Heater Energy Efficiency Program
      • Water Heater Rebate
    • Compact Fluorescent Light
      • CFL Color
    • TESCO
      • Surge Suppression - Information Request
  • Community
    • Economic Development
    • Youth Programs
      • Youth Tour Information Request Form
    • Kansas Country Living
    • DS0 Scholarship Program
  • Renewables
    • BioMass
    • Geothermal Energy
    • Hydrogen
    • Hydropower
    • Solar Energy
    • Wind Energy
  • Safety
    • Education
    • Phone Scams
    • Safety
      • Electric Shock Safety
      • Energy Theft
      • Flood Safety
      • Generator Safety
      • Holiday Lighting Safety
      • Inside Safety
      • Outdoor Safety
      • Hot Weather Safety
  • 4KW Solar
  • Capital Credits
  • Contact Us