I was confused about a Dec. 10 letter from a Kihei resident who was upset about rising water and electric bills. Strange. My south end of Kihei does get occasional rain, unlike that writer's area.
I have a green lawn and ordinary types of plants and trees. I compiled my bimonthly water bills over the few years. My average expense during the last three years shows virtually no change. In 2010, the amount, adjusted for inflation, was 4 percent lower than 2012. From 1998 to 2009 my bills averaged 15 percent higher than 2012, again adjusted for inflation. Bills are higher or lower depending on the season, of course.
So I checked my electric bills for the past 12 years and they were much the same situation. I've always had two solar panels for water heating. In the last four years, my electric bill hasn't changed more than $25, and this year was the lowest. I've updated to efficient appliances during that time. So far my 2012 average electricity bill is 20 percent lower than my average over the last 10 years. I use fans, but no air conditioning.
Amazing, but true.
Shirlye Sonsteby
Kihei
