State Specific Question About: ILLINOIS (IL)

You know this is a landlord site, right?

It makes no sense the a landlord would spend the time, effort, money to rig it like you said. We normally want units metered separately so everyone pays for their own utilities.

Did you see an electrician working around your unit doing this?

It's not impossible, but unlikely - what would the landlord gain from that?

And, around here - the electric company won't tell you what someone else's bill is.

SO. Jump back from that conclusion for a minute, and consider what else could cause this.

> Check all your windows to be sure they are all securely closed - top & bottom.

>If you have storm windows, make sure they are closed. If not, consider covering them with a plastic film for extra insulation.

>Close the door tightly as soon as you go through it.

>Check your thermostat. Don't set it high so you can wear shorts & t-shirt in winter.

>Electric heat IS expensive, and the rates go up all the time.

>Did you used to be on a budget plan, and it stopped?

>Make sure you shut off everything electric when not using it.

>Make sure all the burners on the stove - and oven are off. NEVER use the oven for heat. (I assume it's an electric range)

>What are the other people in the household doing? When you're not home?

>Then, if you can't figure it out, there could be a slow trickle in an appliance or your electronics - some sort of malfunction. Contact the landlord (did you try this?) nicely in the manner prescribed for non-emergency repairs/maintenance. Ask him/her to please send an electrician to check for a possible problem.

If it is discovered that something in the electric panel or somewhere like that has jiggled loose or whatever, the landlord should take care of it. He/she doesn't want an electrical problem that could burn the place down!

However, if it is found that the cause is something else (see above) you need to be prepared to pay the electrician for coming. Al least you will have peace of mind knowing your home is safe.