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Frank
Senior Nomad
 
Posts: 861
Registered: 6-5-2005
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Is it time to leave yet?
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I want the first copy of your autobiography DavidE...It will sit right next to the Hoctors, Smith, and Swaims on my Baja shelf.
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
    
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
Member Is Offline
Mood: undecided
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Frugal? One person's frugality is another's opulence. Just depends?
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Eli
Super Nomad
  
Posts: 1471
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: L.B. Baja Sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: Some times Observing, sometimes Oblivious.
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Quote: | Originally posted by BajaGringo
Quote: | Originally posted by Eli
As my income is Mx. generated, I am always looking for tips on how to live well and not spend a whole heck of a lot to do it; as such I find the
subject of frugality infinitely interesting. The best I can come up with on my own is watch how my friends who have much less than I do make it work.
I think "being rich" or "being poor" is a state of mind.
Anyway, I can't believe how lucky I have been, my fridge is so full of yummies, my health is decent, I have plenty of art supplies, fantastic views, a
working computer, hot shower, way to many clothes, decent shoes. At home I have a super bicycle and a wonderful collection of art. I keep trying to
think of what I don't have that I need, and in the moment nothin comes to mind. Of course there is always stuff I would buy if I had extra money,
those new Sony computer t.v.'s look like they might be fun, an electric juicer, well, maybe in a couple of years.......... |
Kudos girl! You are definitely a very blessed woman... |
Thanks Baja Gringo!
I am still amazed by my good fortune. I came home to Baja 23 years ago this month. I had a little 15 year old datsun station wagon packed tight, my
goldie dog and $3K to invest in my new life. It's miraculous how this all worked out. This is just so cool!
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
Member Is Offline
Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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Re: The name of the insurance company...
Does it matter? I promised myself a long time ago, right after Peter T. my attorney declared "You can win this. But by the time court costs, appeals,
all legal fees are done, you will end up with a pittance. Weigh that against committing yourself to years and years of litigation"...
...that I would not go on a rampage against a (huge) HMO. What good would it do me? What good would it do anyone else? I had "moved" from Nevada to
California and did not report it for almost a year. When a huge entity says "no" it does not mean maybe. This occurred 21 years ago. I fell through
the cracks of society. I don't rant about federalized health care. I knew what that was all about when I "appeared" on the Michael Jackson Los Angeles
FM station with Nancy Pelosi (done over the telephone I don't have a clue where the dear congressperson spoke from). She ranted her spiel about the
need for federal healthcare. I was the poster boy for the program. Only I rebelled. I happened to get in a bunch of fast words about people having the
option of heading to the border to get name brand drugs at a fraction of the price that they could in the USA (generics are usually cheaper in the
USA). Neither Michael Jackson nor the esteemed congressperson appreciated my candid remark that people who desperately need heath care could not wait
until it was legislated into force. How long was it since that program, fourteen years?
Yeah, I'm headed for Central America, so when the piper comes calling he's better speak Spanish. I'll return and visit Inshallah. Baja California Sur
as well. My first priority are my nietas. People who believe one small part of Mexico is "all there is" are doing nothing but cheating themselves.
Same for Guatemala. Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, vacation on the Bay Islands in Honduras. It's all home to me. Pesos, Quetzales, Lempira in my
pocket. My housekeeper's suegra (mother-in-law) just announced she was going to return and raid my milpa for those gorgeous leaves. Tamales.
Never look back. Something might be gaining on you.
[Edited on 7-23-2012 by DavidE]
[Edited on 7-23-2012 by DavidE]
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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Osprey
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 3694
Registered: 5-23-2004
Location: Baja Ca. Sur
Member Is Offline
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Didn't need the name of the company. Now that we know it was a coverage contract dispute >> being a very bright guy you probably sought relief
from the two state insurance commission offices who approved the contract for their licensee. I'm left with having to guess you couldn't find relief
there and went to an attorney.
Since he saw you as a victim you have taken on that role. Now a lot of how you approach the business of living with your infirmities takes on a
different tone. Maybe he was wrong. You could sue him and maybe you should have sued the HMO. Who all owes you what you deserve?
The best revenge is doing well so if you're happy being able to enjoy your environs and doing a little quibbling now and then, I'd say you are doing
the best you can.
Not everybody can be as open and honest as you have been to lay all this out for us. Thanks.
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
Member Is Offline
Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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Osprey, a thank you I feel for your remark is appreciated but somehow is not appropriate. I "bared" everything to set an example. It is not an envious
target to shoot for. What I attempted to do is show people that despite seeming overwhelming odds, even with the most careful planning, things can go
horribly wrong. When things do go wrong and seem insurmountable, it's very easy to give up.
If Mexico were not here, I probably would have ended up somewhere in the very rural southwest, and most likely would not have survived.
Due to a confluence of sun, moon, tides, fortune and circumstance (is that enough?) I felt it time to get serious about sharing. This forum is one of
the few civil entities about Mexico that shows real heart. Others are pure personality conflicts, or, "oh gee we all went to the new restaurant
yesterday it was very good" or arguments about the fine points of fideicomiso.
Sharing stories, especially those that have substance is one of my goals. So is reaching 1,500 posts and a fifth star which I feel is going to become
my last star. I don't have enough coal left in the boiler to go higher.
I enjoy reading stories. The one about the horse races, exploits of a new trip to La Paz, and especially sifting finely through heavy gravel the
nuggets about the progress of a valued Nomad who has the grit to say "I can do it!". I can no longer partake of many physical activities, so write ups
of jeep trips into the wilds of the peninsula are candy for me. So are tales of "hooookup!" and the recipes that might follow.
When I finally depart for the hither and yonder, you can bet I'll still read the Nomad forum. I won't be able to participate much. A lot of my
memories about Baja California are obsolete. Like they never existed, if someone were to try to relive them today.
People who do not realize just how fortunate they are make me slightly dazed. They complain bitterly about being taxed. How short their vacation is.
How "cheap" things are in México. Rather than rise up in defense of the truly offended, dirt poor Mexicans; I decided to go head-to-head with the
warped sense of value and money. I am always suspicious of "crusaders" and by representing myself I avoided it. I try to also avoid criticizing by
name, but rather by giving example.
The treasure of Mexico is not a beach, or a rock strewn arroyo to be negotiated with locking differential, winch and cerveza, it's her people. Wealthy
Mexicans like wealthy Americans have seemingly lost much of their heart. Their soul. It's the same all over the world and Mexico is no different. You
won't find "Mexico" locked up in some high walled estate or penthouse overlooking Chapultepéc park, you won't find it in the middle class, they are
too busy chasing after phantom dreams with mirages for goals.
A poor farmer, or fisherman with children decked out in clothing so clean and white it hurts the eye, will invite you into his humble abode, sometimes
cinder block and other times tar paper and stone and show you what México means. I never forget that the reverse is true. When you fathom what I am
trying to say, you will have found a treasure beyond value.
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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Osprey
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 3694
Registered: 5-23-2004
Location: Baja Ca. Sur
Member Is Offline
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You are preaching not to the choir but to yourself. Best you live your Mexico and we live ours. There are those on this forum who (fathomed) more than
you could ever say about what and who Baja California is, was and will be.
Good luck to you old timer.
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
Member Is Offline
Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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It was directed gently at people who do not fathom Osprey. That was the point. You do (obviously) so perhaps you believed my answer to be a slight.
That is so unfortunate.
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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toneart
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
Member Is Offline
Mood: Skeptical
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This is a very interesting topic, DavidE. One where many can compare notes on how to live frugally. That the location is Mexico or anywhere else, I
like to read and converse with those who are doing it.
How one does it is certainly different than how another does it. I would never invalidate another's experience or method.
The very word "frugal" is a virtue for some of us. It is an intelligent, non-arrogant, non-wasteful lifestyle; at least that is the desired result.
Then, to others, "frugal" represents a concept that is disrespected and even scoffed at by many. To them, it represents poor, lazy and unsuccessful.
It is a clear lifestyle choice and usually falls on one side or the other in the political divide.
DavidE. I have been to most of the places you have mentioned. Throughout my life I have been a wanderer, a Dharma Bum, a free spirit, a trekker, a
traveler...as opposed to a "tourist". Getting off the beaten track and immersing myself in an alien culture has given me a real appreciation of how
others live, and what priorities are important for survival and happiness.
To support this lifestyle I have created visual art...hot glass and oils, played jazz and classical music, taught English as a Second Language,
bartended and invested in Real Estate. I got lucky with my timing and, although not rich, I have enough to continue my nomadic, frugal lifestyle.
You have done something that I think is admirable; living your life in a remote area apart from other gringos and not dependent on speaking English.
My Spanish is good, but I have not lived in a remote village. At this point, it is probably not in the cards. I have thought about it, but my cancer
requires that I now remain in The United States where I am undergoing treatment. It is going well and I am strong and healthy in every other way. I'll
get back on the road again soon.
Another factor that will probably prevent me from living in a remote village at this age, is that I have achieved a good balance between being a
hermit and then walking into a gringo bar and BS with the best of them. I like that social interaction and then retreat into the solace afforded by my
sanctuary.
I don't really have any tips on "how to...". but it would be fun to sit down with you to compare stories. Warning...I've got a million of 'em!
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Osprey
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 3694
Registered: 5-23-2004
Location: Baja Ca. Sur
Member Is Offline
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David, I am difficult to slight. Perhaps imposible. I was gonna say I'm comfortable in my own skin but my skin is 76 years old and a sorry, dried up
sack of shame. I would feel much more comfortable in, say, 23 year old skin but that would look a little goofy actually.
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
Member Is Offline
Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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Osprey old people with withered bodies have had their strength migrate. To between their ears. You are no exception. Younger folks find elder
conversations boring. But there is always hope that some of the information will filter through. Got news for ya gramps, I do not read your "skin" on
this forum but what wisdom you have and want to share. In my long posts which are going to cease shortly, I attempted to show readers not Osprey or
any particular person how special the entire country is.
Toneart, I would love to have an opportunity to have a long, long chat with you. When I relate stories of where I have been or what I have done, it
isn't braggadocio. Not one upsmanship, boasting, or whatever. It is a clear message to others who may doubt that they have the ability to do something
like that. They surely do, and what I write is meant to cheer lead others into adventure. In some cases I have done that and avidly follow their
adventures. I have a "pied piper" complex, only with me out of the picture except for cheering someone on. What upsets me however are people who say
they "can't" or won't, or worst of all "It can't be done". The biggest fools on earth are those that have deep pockets and no wits. But speaking of
wits, I have to take more care in how I write. Above I made a short note to Osprey. But I continued on with a general message and did not delineate
where my message ended and where the story started. It could have easily been misconstrued as being directed toward Osprey and for that I feel guilty
as hell. I did not intend it that way at all. "Old Timers" have stories and wisdom locked up inside that I would hope to unlock. The story part was
intended to be an invitation to share. It still is.
Frugality. If the frugality is present because of selfishness, it cannot be morally defined as frugality. Not in my book. It is selfishness. Even when
I had money, I abhorred people who would victimize others; it's the one thing that will still set me off like a bomb. I do not do well listening to
wealthy people who congregate and swap tales of how they managed to screw the less fortunate. When I operated (I created it) Flores de Las Peñas hotel
in Michoacan an obnoxious Mexican engineer, loved to get drunk, brag about how wealthy he was ("No I am not a millionaire, I am a multi-millionaire"),
on the patio of the hotel of which three of the rooms were rented to his workers. Antonio the injinero from Guadalajara. Finally, he arrived one
Friday night, got drunk again and started boasting loudly about how he could do anything he wanted because of his money. He castigated me as a gringo.
He belittled his men. He sneered. He finally demanded the key to "his" room. I replied "what room? you are much too wealthy, important and handsome to
stay in a humble abode such as this". The stupid SOB ended up sleeping in his car. I told his men to shower that night. Then I cut the water off. When
Antonio went to shower, he got a rude shock. Boy was I ever worked up. I degraded him in front of his men. I told him he called himself an engineer of
water so tell me in a column of water 100 meters in height how much pressure in kilopascals would appear at a faucet on the bottom? Phoney two-bit
exploiter. Enough story, except to say his men stayed at the hotel for another two months. And no I did not raise the tariff.
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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CortezBlue
Super Nomad
  
Posts: 2213
Registered: 11-14-2006
Location: Fenix/San Phelipe
Member Is Offline
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I think I agree with everything that I have viewed on this post. For me, living in Fenix, AZ, I am use to high electric bills in the summer months.
We don't live in San Felipe full time, but we do go down in the summer, as it can be a bit cooler, but a bit more humid, in July and Aug. However, we
ended up buying in Mexico after owning a condo in Oceanside, CA, on the beach, for many years. No A/C to worry about, very low electric bills,
however, between the HOA dues and CA Property Taxes, it cost me nearly $1000 per month, before the mortgage. The condo was less than 1000 sq ft.
We have a 2000sq ft. home on the beach, a 2 car garage and a "secured gate" and my total expenses for everything for a year is less than $3000 for
HOA, Taxes, Water, Electric, FM2, Fidi, so for me it is a bargain.
As far as beer prices, I agree, it is more expensive in San Felipe than in the USA
I can get a 30 pack of Tecate rojo for $18 when it is on sale in the US, and I pay $177p for a 12 pack in SF. But, tha being said, Tequila is much
less in Mexicali than in AZ. Also, I try to support SF by buying local products.
I think the bottom line is, that depending where you come from in the USA makes a difference in comparing the good, bad and otherwise of living in
Mexico.
My goal, when I retire in a few years, is to be weather neutral and follow the sun/weather. Stay as far south as I can Jan/Feb, when Fenix can be a
bit chilly, I know, wimp. And going to cooler climates in July/Aug timeframe in the summer. I figure by shutting my house up in Fenix in the summer
would save me about$400 per month.
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Lee
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 3597
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
Member Is Offline
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Quote: | Originally posted by DavidE
Even when I had money, I abhorred people who would victimize others; it's the one thing that will still set me off like a bomb.
I do not do well listening to wealthy people who congregate and swap tales of how they managed to screw the less fortunate.
.... an obnoxious Mexican engineer, loved to get drunk, brag about how wealthy he was ...
.... He castigated me as a gringo. He belittled his men. He sneered. He finally demanded the key to "his" room. I replied "what room? you are much too
wealthy, important and handsome to stay in a humble abode such as this".
... The stupid SOB ended up sleeping in his car.
I told his men to shower that night. Then I cut the water off. When Antonio went to shower, he got a rude shock. Boy was I ever worked up. I degraded
him in front of his men. I told him he called himself an engineer of water so tell me in a column of water 100 meters in height how much pressure in
kilopascals would appear at a faucet on the bottom?
Phoney two-bit exploiter. Enough story, except to say his men stayed at the hotel for another two months. And no I did not raise the tariff.
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So, did you feel better punishing this lout? Strike one for the little guy? Frugality at it's finest hour? This rant does little to
reflect your true self.
US Marines: providing enemies of America an opportunity to die for their country since 1775.
What I say before any important decision.
F*ck it.
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durrelllrobert
Elite Nomad
    
Posts: 7393
Registered: 11-22-2007
Location: Punta Banda BC
Member Is Offline
Mood: thriving in Baja
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I really don't think that my (new) wife and I live frugally here in Baja, but we do live entirely on my Social Security check and still manage to take
2 vactions/year to MX resorts and Canada.
Here are my tips for doing this:
1. If you have a high maintenance wife leave her in the states! My ex would only shop at Nieman Marcus and Nordstroms and she did it often. My current
wife does her shopping at the segundas and the swap meet.
2. Live in a temperate zone (like Punta Banda) so A/C is not required. Even though my CFE bill is high because I'm on the DAC rate of 3.062 p/kWh and
I use about 800kW every 2 months it would be much higher with A/C. In the states I was on a year roud flat rate for $350/month so my CFE bill here
only amounts to about $91/month.
3. My 4 br/3bath (including guest house) overlooking Todos Santos bay was purchased 7 years ago, with proceeds from my share from the forced sale of
my home in the the states, so my only expense for housing is the $1500/yr ($125/mo)land rent I pay for my very large lot in Lomas Del Mar.
4. My 3000 gal pila costs less than $30 to fill and lasts at least a month. My water bill in the states ran around $300/month (big property).
5. Buy food locally. We go to the states once a month to get things that are either not available in Ensenada or cost a lot less.
[Edited on 7-27-2012 by durrelllrobert]
Bob Durrell
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
Member Is Offline
Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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durelllrobert,
I enjoyed reading your reply. Thank you. From what I understand there is more than one tier in DAC. A couple of years ago I had to pay almost sixty
cents US per kWh including a 16% IVA. A question if I may: Did you take the total cost of your bill and divide it by the total kWh or is the 3.062
pesos per kWh the listed price for DAC on your bill? The reason I ask this is to know whether or not to plan for pricey insulation in my new casita.
It will cost 600 dollars and entail special construction costs. Thank you for your help.
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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Mula
Super Nomad
  
Posts: 1662
Registered: 8-16-2011
Location: San Nicolas y Lopez Mateos
Member Is Offline
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Sounds like getting a new wife is the secret.
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willardguy
Elite Nomad
    
Posts: 6451
Registered: 9-19-2009
Member Is Offline
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Quote: | Originally posted by Mula
Sounds like getting a new wife is the secret. | change is good!  
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
    
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
Member Is Offline
Mood: undecided
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Insulation? You can't have too much. Picture a house as well insulated as an ice cooler. A block of ice will keep it cool.
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durrelllrobert
Elite Nomad
    
Posts: 7393
Registered: 11-22-2007
Location: Punta Banda BC
Member Is Offline
Mood: thriving in Baja
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Quote: | Originally posted by DavidE
durelllrobert,
I enjoyed reading your reply. Thank you. From what I understand there is more than one tier in DAC. A couple of years ago I had to pay almost sixty
cents US per kWh including a 16% IVA. A question if I may: Did you take the total cost of your bill and divide it by the total kWh or is the 3.062
pesos per kWh the listed price for DAC on your bill? The reason I ask this is to know whether or not to plan for pricey insulation in my new casita.
It will cost 600 dollars and entail special construction costs. Thank you for your help. |
I know that the DAC rate is a lot less in Mexicali but here in Ensenada it is 3.062 x 791.00 kWh = 2,422 + 158.56 for Cargo fijo (2) whatever that is
+283.20 IVA+27.42 IAP = 2891.91 on my latest bill.
I have no idea what DAC is in BCS.
Bob Durrell
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
Member Is Offline
Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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Mil gracias! Sum total = 3.66 pesos kWh or 28 cents US kWh. I went over 1,300 kWh, with A/C and an oxygen concentrator. More than 750 dollars
converted to pesos. I know CFE has different tarifas, 1A. 1B, 1C, etc. Kept below 250 kWh, the bill (125 kWh per month) is quite low. That allows for
4.16 kWh per day or 173 watts continuous 24/7. So if a person up in the states has a utility bill of 125 kWh or less, they'll live cheap on Mexican
power. At 500 or above (monthly) OUCH! When a Mexican utility bill goes into DAC (Data Alto Consumo), it stays there. The next month and the month
after that electrical usage can decrease to 100 kWh per 2 months and the DAC rate will still apply. Fifty eight dollars for 100 kWh!!!! Like a 7 watt
bulb burning 24/7. I escaped this draconian rate by installing a new "mufa" (service drop) with dos filas (60 amp 254V service rather than 30 amp 127
service). The new service started "fresh". Whew!
But DAC starts after an accumulated number of kWh aggregates over a period of time (either 6-months or a year), it isn't just from an individual
bi-monthly bill.
Again, thank you.
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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