How RVers Can Avoid Surprise Campground Electric Charges

Above, Route 66 RV Resort in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's something that I haven't run into (yet!) while camping at an RV park.

It is (surprise) campground electric charges on top of the nightly camping fee.

According to RV Life:

Booking a full-hookup campsite used to guarantee unlimited power, water, and sewer for a single, flat nightly rate. But that guarantee is quickly fading. As more campgrounds quietly transition to smart meters for short-term reservations, the way we calculate the cost of a road trip is fundamentally changing.

But you don’t have to wait until a surprise bill busts your travel budget to take action. Taking control of your rig’s energy consumption and knowing exactly what to look for on booking pages can help offset these new fees. A few simple adjustments will keep your next vacation predictable and wallet-friendly.

To read more, go here. 

RV Electricity: How To Install A 30-Amp Home Outlet

Above, making a trench from the electrical box to the RV garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Four years ago, I had the RV garage (called the GOCO Beast Barn) built for my motorhome. A year later, I added 30-amp electricity to it. But I didn't do these things myself, I got a steel shed company to build the garage and an electrical company to install the outlet. 

A trench for the electrical line had to be made from the electrical box to the RV garage. 

Above, the electrical line to the RV garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted an article on the topic of installing a 30-amp RV outlet at home.

It begins with:

I received this inquiry (in the Comments section of RVtravel.com) from Cory. He’s wondering about installing a 30-amp RV outlet on a residential 150-amp service panel.

And the answer is…

Yes, you certainly can install a 30-amp RV outlet at home. That is, as long as you keep a few things in mind while discussing this installation with your electrician. Now, I’m not going to tell you that you can do this yourself if it’s your first electrical hookup project. And I am going to ask you to follow all local codes – that are different in each state and county. The safest way to do this to hire a licensed residential electrician, and get them to read this first.

Above, the outlet inside the RV garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Newsom's Marxist Electric Bills

The Looney Left Report

If there is ever a reason to be grateful for moving out of Commiefornia, this one gets the grand prize!

Last year, the one-party state passed legislation making people's electric bills based on income rather than actual usage. Sounds like something out of a socialist/communist country, doesn't it?

A post in The Federalist blog today caught my attention. So I did some searching. It didn't take long.

According to the Washington Free Beacon:

California governor Gavin Newsom is standing by the state’s soon-to-be-implemented "equitable" policy to base electricity bills on income, rather than usage, even as public and political opposition to the idea builds in the Democratic coalition.

A spokesman for the governor said on Tuesday that Newsom is looking forward to seeing a final proposal from the state's utilities commission "that is consistent with" the 2022 law that required the agency to devise an income-based billing system.

"California must combat climate change by rapidly expanding the use of clean electricity in our vehicles and buildings, while at the same time making it more affordable for low-income Californians," the spokesman said in a statement.

Newsom’s commitment to California’s income-based electricity billing plan followed a press conference by a group of Democratic lawmakers who want to reverse the policy, after they voted in its favor as part of a 2022 budget bill. Citing public outcry, they condemned the plan as another price hike for Californians’ astronomical energy bills that would punish conservation-minded households while also subjecting everyone to invasive income checks. 

See? This is what you get when a Marxist political party has total control of the state's government. They are using the excuse of "climate change" (which is total bullplop) as an excuse to impose this Marxist act.

To read more, go here. 

New Mexicans Suffering High Electric Bills

Above, the swamp cooler didn't cost me more in my electric bill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I must be lucky or something. 

Last month, during the 90°-plus temperatures, I had to run my swamp cooler non-stop. I figured that would lead to an enormous electric bill. 

Well, I had a pleasant surprise! My electric bill was only $88.38. The electric company for Jamestown is cooperative (co-op), so that may have something to do with it. Maybe swamp coolers aren't as costly as air conditioners.

Others in the state are not so lucky.

From Piñon Post:

High electric bills are taking a toll on New Mexicans amid hot July weather, driving up air conditioning usage. Customers of electric companies like PNM and Xcel Energy are witnessing unusually high bills, with air conditioners accounting for up to 50% of summer bills. PNM customer Peggy Abby expressed her shock at the substantial increase in her bill, telling KOAT 7 News, “I have never seen one this high! $453, it’s never even been $100.”

The high temperatures have led to increased electricity consumption, resulting in elevated bills for many households.

The left-wing energy policies also contributed to the high energy costs.

To read more, go here.

Where Can You Find Free RV Hookups?

Above, the 30 amp outlet at my cousin's in California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Suppose you're on the road and need to stop somewhere to stay the night. But, you need a place that has at least electric hookups available.

Where can you stay and plug in your RV for free? If there are no friends or family that you can plug into their outlet (make sure to have a "dogbone" electric adapter with you) where you're at, what can you do?

RV Life has posted an article on these questions.

They begin with:

RV camping gives you access to a wide variety of amenities, including electricity and running water. But unless you want to drain your battery or rely on solar power, you’ll probably want to stay somewhere with electrical hookups.

Unfortunately, most places that have RV hookups require a fee, but this isn’t always the case. So you’re probably wondering: Where can I plug in my RV for free?

Believe it or not, there are some free RV parks that provide complimentary hookups. In most cases, this only includes electricity and not water or sewage. But beggars can’t be choosers! It’s a rare find if you can locate a place where you can park for free AND enjoy electrical access. There are also some private institutions that have amenities for RVers, such as casinos.

In most cases, you’ll need to pay to plug in your RV, but if you do some research ahead of time, you may be able to locate a few places that will help you out for a night or two. Otherwise, you’ll need to be prepared to pay a fee, dry camp, or rely on solar panels/a generator. Let’s talk about some places where you can plug in your RV for free.

To read more, go here. 

Staying Warm In An RV Without Electricity

Above, at Red Rock Park Campground near Gallup, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Only one time I had a problem in keeping warm in my motorhome. That was during an overnight stay at Joshua Tree National Park. I was dry camping with no hookups.

The night got frigid cold and I ran my motorhome's propane heater. That was actually the first time I used it. 

I had plenty of propane, but little did I know, it drew a lot of electricity from the battery and ran it completely down by morning. 

RV Life has an article on how to stay warm in case the RV park's electrical system should suffer a power outage. 

They begin it with:

Spending the winter in your camper can be fun, but you should always be prepared to endure cold weather.

Sure, RV walls offer protection from wind and snow. But drafts and poor insulation can make your vehicle quite chilly. You can run the heater, but unexpected power outages can force you to shut it down. Winter can be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared.

Don’t be a victim of a winter campground power outage. This article explains:

To read more, go here. 

Brace Yourselves For Electric Rate Hikes and Brownouts

New Mexico is headed for brownouts California-style thanks to Gov. "Malevolent Michelle" Lujan Grisham's version of the Green New Deal backed by Democrats who control the state legislature.

Besides that, New Mexico residents will be seeing a 9% rate hike in their electric bills if the Public Regulation Commission approves a rate hike request by the Public Service Company.

From Piñon Post:

According to new reports, the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) is requesting the state Public Regulation Commission to allow it to raise rates — the first time in six years. The proposal includes a first-year billing increase of 1.74 percent, which is around $1.20 more per month for residential customers, according to reports. 

The rate hike will help the company pay to “begin a six-year grid modernization project with $344 million in upgrades to its distribution system,” according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.

“But in a news conference Monday, Darnell said the total average impact for residential customers will be lower than 1 percent, or about 75 cents a month. However, when commercial and industrial rates are added in, the overall increase would be about 9 percent.”

The cost hikes are due to the passage and forced implementation of the anti-energy “Energy Transition Act,” the state’s version of the Green New Deal signed by Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2019.

As we previously reported, utilities such as PNM and El Paso Electric are bracing for blackouts and brownouts due to the Green New Deal:

During a special Public Regulation Commission meeting [in September], Public Service Co. of New Mexico (PNM) said it is being forced to PNM executives said the utility will fill “quite a hole” next summer due to “green” replacements taking longer to materialize as the San Juan Generating Station is set to close next week.

According to PNM spokesman Ray Sandoval, PNM “generally has a 2,000-megawatt system with about 500 megawatts provided by the San Juan Generating Station.” 

With the closure of the San Juan Generating Station, it has purged countless jobs, with only around 80 employees able to retire. “For the rest of the employees, though, they’re going to have to go find some other form of employment,” said plant manager Omni Warner. 

The AP reports, “El Paso Electric, a utility that serves customers in southern New Mexico, also is expecting a capacity gap next summer. Like PNM, El Paso Electric will have to buy power from other producers to ensure adequate capacity when customers crank up their air conditioners during the hottest of days.”

Clearly, this is another great example of why stupid people should not be allowed to vote.

To read more, go here.

Must-Have RV Electrical Supplies

Above, morning at Victorville's Shady Oasis Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Imagine that you are out camping and an electrical problem crops up. That is not rare with recreational vehicles. Sooner or later one will happen. Are you prepared?

The Boy Scout motto is "Be Prepared". With that in mind, RV Life has an article on ten "must-have" electrical supplies to always have on hand.

They begin with:

RV electrical power is unique in that it is made up of two different electrical systems. You have your 12-volt DC system similar to your car along with a 120-volt AC system like in your home.

Many people choose to leave electrical problems to the pros, and if you are completely uncomfortable or unknowledgeable about electrical, this is best. However, many RVers are competent in troubleshooting and repairing electrical issues.

It is in the best interest of any RVer to gain a basic knowledge of the electrical systems in their RV. Having the knowledge to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain your RV electrical is only half the battle. You must have the tools and RV electrical supplies to do so.

If you haven’t already, do some research and become familiar with your RV electrical systems, then make sure you have these 10 must-have RV electrical supplies in your RV!

To read more, go here. 

Gallup: Grandpa's Grill and Gasoline

Above, now I call them "Greedway". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a good thing I went into Gallup today to take care of some business with the electric company, the gas price at the Flying J here went up to $3.71/gallon. In Gallup, the price is $3.86/gallon at Speedway (now I call them Greedway). But I was lucky to find an Allsup's gas station who was selling it for $3.56/gallon. 

Before going to the electric company, I stopped at Grandpa's Grill for breakfast.

Above, this morning's breakfast at Grandpa's Grill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The matter over my electric bill came out in my favor and I am credited over $400. So, until that is reached, I won't have to pay anything.

While there, I managed to lock my keys inside the car, so I had to call Auto Club to open the car. Since I have now used up my four service calls, I have to figure out another way to get the Jeep to Gallup to get the brakes fixed. Maybe someone with a flatbed trailer here can tow it in or I can get Auto Club to come up with a flat rate on a tow into Gallup on my dime. 

Before heading back to Jamestown, I did some shopping and got stuff I'll be needing for the next few days since it may be snowing starting tonight. The clouds are already coming in.

Life has its challenges.

Rural Electric Companies Hit Hard by Keystone XL Cancellation

One of the first things His Fraudulency did when he took up occupancy in the White House was to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline via executive order.

The idiot in the White House killed thousands of jobs with this action. The Epoch Times is taking a look at how this has affected people and companies in this first of a series of articles.

The first one begins with:

This is part one of a series exploring the effects of President Joe Biden’s cancellation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline.

MURDO, S.D.—For more than a decade, Jeff Birkeland had been waiting expectantly in the hope that the Keystone XL (KXL) pipeline would finally materialize and bring with it a much-needed boost to his rural community. His dreams were dashed overnight.

Birkeland is the CEO of West Central Electric Cooperative, which is located in Murdo, a small city in South Dakota with a population of less than 1,000. TransCanada, now known as TC Energy, the firm that commissioned the KXL pipeline, first approached his company back in 2008.

In 2011, he signed a contract with TC Energy to build a transmission line and two substations that would serve power along the KXL route. West Central Electric was meant to start producing power for pump stations along the XL route as early as November 2011, before the pipeline was put on hold.

In March 2019, then-President Donald Trump granted TC Energy a presidential permit to construct and operate the XL pipeline. Biden revoked that permit via executive order in one of his first moves as president.

“It basically shut a lot of what we were doing down overnight,” Birkeland told The Epoch Times. “We’re out $90 million, that’s what that means to us.”

Electric co-ops are private companies that deliver electricity to their customers, also known as members. Rural electric cooperatives serve 56 percent of the nation and account for about 12 percent of total electricity sales in the United States, according to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

There are multiple co-ops in the area that range in size in terms of employees and areas they cover. West Central Electric has more than 3,671 members and covers more than 7,000 square miles, and Birkeland said the cancellation of the project hits small rural communities like Murdo especially hard.

I live in a community that is served by an electric co-op. I shudder to think how this will affect my electric bill. 

To read more, go here.

Checking Out The New Electric Box

Above, the Jeep, power box pole and the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After driving around our community and the new Mesa Ridge Ranch subdivision, I drove the Jeep into Barking Spider Acre to check out the new electric box that was installed last month for electric power to the GOCO Beast Barn.

Above, the new electrical box for the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Prior to today, there was either too much snow on the ground, too muddy to walk and drive on (or both) to check out the box.

We have been enjoying temperatures in the 50s this week. It is 54° outside now. The ground was dry enough to walk on today.

Above, the meter and the electrical box for the house. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The electricians with Knight Electic added a separate box for the Beast Barn's outlets and connected that box to the existing one. From the pole (where the electric boxes are), the electricians trenched about 120' to the GOCO Beast Barn for the wiring (in PVC piping).

Above, between the Jeep and the pole, the trenched ground is
shown leading to the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While I was at the power pole, I looked at the utility access road that is behind the property along the community power lines. it looks passable for the Jeep to take an exploring jaunt.

Above, looking west, the utility road along the power lines. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the utility road goes upslope behind my property. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

No Power Yet

Above, after a drive today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We hit a little snag in getting a power line to the GOCO Beast Barn today.

The electrician called me this morning and said they were having trouble in finding a trencher to rent. They said once they found one, they would let me know and be over.

Well, they didn't call or come over, so apparently they'll try again tomorrow.

In the meantime, I just relaxed at home or just drove the Jeep around. I did test the firmness of the ground at Barking Spider Acre with the Jeep. It was firm and not soft and muddy. Thank goodness!

Electrifying Day

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's the day where an electrical line is to be installed in the GOCO Beast Barn.

The 30 amp line will be buried and will extend from the electric meter box to the Beast Barn. That is, if today's weather is favorable. It should be since the day's temperature should be around 36°, which should be sufficient to thaw out the ground (if it froze overnight).

The electric meter box is about 120 feet south of the Beast Barn.

Electrifying The GOCO Beast Barn

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn and Barking Spider Acre last March. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I had an electric contractor take a look at the GOCO Beast Barn and the power box in Barking Spider Acre to get an estimate on the cost to install 30 amp power to the Beast Barn for The Beast inside.

He will provide his findings to his boss and they will come up with an estimate tomorrow.

The power box pole is about 120-130 feet south of the GOCO Beast Barn. The power line would be put in underground in a pipe.

Having power at the GOCO Beast Barn would allow me to run the RV holding tank heaters so I won't have to go through the hassle of wintering The Beast.

California and Electricity

Now for some music:




Thanks to the Democrat Party for allowing California's utilities infrastructure to deteriorate.

Today's Exercise

Above, looking back after getting the meter reading. Some other critters walked through. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, I got my exercise for today!

I had to trudge in the snow in the Barking Spider Acre to get the electric meter reading to pay my bill.

We have to do this ourselves until April as they are building a new substation and they can't doing from their end now.

The snow was about 6-7 inches deep. If one wants to exercise their legs, walking in snow will do the job. Plus, I am a littled winded. I am sure I burned off some calories in the process.

It was best I do the chore today as the ground got very muddy after the New Year's snow melted. 

Meter Reading Walk

Above, the electric meter near Barking Spider Road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For my daily walk, I headed over into the "Barking Spider Acre" to go read the electric meter before mailing off my electric bill.

We have to do our own meter-reading until this coming April as a new electric substation is under construction and the electric company has no means, at present, to read our meters electronically. So, until then we have to do it ourselves.

Above, the view north next to Barking Spider Road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is just as well that I have to go do it as I have to get some walking exercise in per the doctor's orders. It is a nice morning, despite the clouds.

Power Cord From Garage To GOCO Beast Barn

Above, I'll need to run a power line from the GOCO Beast Barn to the garage (near where The Beast is parked). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I was checking to see how long a power cord extension I'll need for when I park The Beast inside the GOCO Beast Barn this winter.

I need electrical power to The Beast so I can run the holding tank heaters and a ceramic space heater for the interior for the fresh water tank.

I measured the power cord of The Beast and it came to 30 feet long. I do have a 50 foot 30 amp extension cord. So that gives me 80 feet in total for now. When the weather warms up a little, I will park The Beast inside and attach the extension cord to the power cord to see if that's enough or if I need another extension cord (maybe 25 feet maximum). I can plug the power cords to an outlet in the garage with a Dogbone power adapter. Luckily, I have outlets at the corner near the garage door.

I was going to hold off doing all this but the current cold snap pushed me to get it all figured out now.

Reading Our Own Meters

Above, my meter is located in my 2nd acre. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When one moves from a highly-populated urban area like Los Angeles to a rural area like Jamestown, New Mexico, occasional adjustments sometimes have to be made.

I received my electric bill today and along with that, a notice telling customers that from now to April 2019, we have to provide our electric meter readings to the electric company.

This is due to a new Gallup substation is being built to replace the one that supplies electricity to our community. The construction is expected to be completed to last through to April 2019. During this period, they are unable to retrieve our meter readings electronically.

This kind of thing we definitely not work in Los Angeles. It would be nice to get a discount for doing their work for them.

National Parks To Get EV Charging Stations

Above, a Sinclair gasoline pump at Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) will be installed at 100 locations in U.S. national parks.

According to The Drive:

BMW is teaming up with the National Park Service and the Department of Energy to expand America’s EV charging network. Out of America’s 417 national parks, up to 100 new charging stations are going to be installed. BMW says these stations will be compatible with every electric car sold in America. 

Ludwig Willisch, the head of BMW Group Region Americas said in a press conference, “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the next 100 years of both the BMW Group and National Park Service than by making America’s national parks more accessible to drivers of electric vehicles.”

Specific sites are still to be determined. They will be taking a look at all 417 national parks and figure out where charging stations "make the most sense."

I would guess that Yellowstone National Park would be a logical national park to have charging stations, considering its size and that it has gasoline stations (Sinclair Oil Co.) in the park. Another park, Grand Canyon National Park, would be another logical choice for the same reasons.

To read more, go here.