4/15    I have some questions about my PG&E bill... I've always thought
        it was too high but I figured since we run 4 computers and lots
        of electronic stuff in the house that would explain it. but
        recently we went on a 3.5 week vacation. We left one computer
        running (but no monitors), the fridge, a TV satellite receiver,
        maybe a few clocks and other small items, but nothing else: no
        lights, no heating or A/C, nothing that I would expect to consume
        a significant amount of electricity. The latest bill (which
        corresponds almost exactly with the time we were gone) is lower
        than normal but still $80... (for a 1400 sq ft townhouse). Isn't
        that weird? Is there something wrong with the meter? or should I
        just write it off as more high bay area living expenses or caused
        by the energy crisis? Also, I know this is a dumb question,
        but what exactly uses Gas in a normal house? The heater / water
        heater? I've heard some dryers do but I'm pretty sure mine is
        electric, and the oven is electric too.
        \_ furnace & water heater are most common, stove & oven also
           very common, gas fridges & dryers aren't that common but
           aren't unheard of
           \_ The pilot lights use a lot of gas.  When I last lived in an apt
              I cut my gas part of the PG&E bill by 90% (from $10 to $1) by
              simply turning off the pilot lights in the stove and the heater
              and lighting them only when I use them.  (I cook about every
              other day.)
        \_ Numerous passive devices like your TV will eat up some power also.
           \_ I heard the fridge uses the biggest share of power.  Check your
              bill and see how many kWh you've actually used instead of how
              many dollars it costs.