1 In the UK last year elecrcity providers were raising prices and giving "aging infrastructure" as the reason. Sounds somewhat similar,eh?
2 No need to get up at 01 am to turn on the washing machine. Just fit a timer switch to the socket.
3 Colin Barnet has the answer to your rising power bills.- Switch off the air conditioning, you don't need it anyway! Thats what smart metering will be doing to you. Forcing you to swelter, but hey - your electric bill is less!