Has this happened to anyone else?
I had no idea these things draw that much power

Can't say I've seen such an increase with my 50" plasma in the past 20 months of ownership. Do you leave the 58" plasma set on 24/7?

I've had a 50" Panny plasma for a year, and I haven't noticed any measurable increase in my electric bill.

And the set is used a lot........

I have a 3 Pannys; 2 50" and a 58" and my bill hasn't changed at all. You watch too much tv.

Interesting. I haven't noticed a difference in my electric bill for my 50" Panasonic plasma. I used to own a 31" CRT, and I'm pretty sure I don't go over what I used to dedicate for that CRT.

Maybe 58" sizes draw a lot more power or something. But I have no idea. Seems odd in any case as the power use is highly regulated I would think.

I notice difference when I turned off my 6 DirecTV DVRs last month. My three Panny Plasmas have not made a difference n my bill.

These Panasonic plasmas can be a power hog. The max power rating on these things are insane. But, it doesn't seem to use significantly more (>$10 a month) than another similiar sized display. I noticed no sizable change in my power bill went I went from 32" direct view to 37" LCD and then to 42" plasma. Electric bill was $55 +/- $2 each month.

-beebs

Your entire bill has doubled due to one television?

I'm sorry but that does not make sense.

Agreed -- what are your actual numbers for usage? Did your electrical rates go up - did the ambient temp of your location rapidly change due to winter?

-Tim

My electric rates have increased but this should not of increased my bill this much. I have called the electric company and they agree. They are coming out for an inspection next week to see what is going on. Thanks for your support all of you.

I am glad they are going to check it for you.

According to this test chart that set would draw approx $146 a year in electricity.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6475_7-6400401-3.html

Unless your electric bill is miniscule, there must be another cause.

My budget bill alone for electricity is about $200 a month, I might have noticed an extra $12 a month but would not be concerned about it.

the max power rating is with vivid setting and the contrast turned way up and so on. I just read that somewhere on avsforum.

my electric bill went up about $5.00 - $10.00 when I got my 50" plasma. The big thing is my htpc that is constantly on and doing who-knows-what.

You went from paying $12 to $24 a month for electricity?

Are you a roommate?