I left my AC/lights off for most of the month and ...

I left my AC/lights off for most of the month and they still find ways to charge into the hundreds. People outside of town might pay 1/5th for the same usage. The fact that there is no alternative service is the only reason they're around. There are no redeeming qualities to this business. Just another way to squeeze money out of a working man. If they could find a way to break into your house and charge you for the static electricity in the carpets they would. If they could find a way to detect paranormal energies and charge you for the presence of spirits from the afterlife, they would. If they could find a way to invent a telepathy machine and charge you for the mere thought of activating the air conditioner, they would. If they could find some justification to forcibly install floodlights in your living room and render them incapable of being shut off, they would. Garbage business, run by garbage people. Just another reason to avoid living in the city if at all possible.