Understanding Your Bill

Checklist of Items that Can Impact Your Bill

• Was this an actual reading following one or more estimated readings?

  In cases of severe weather or when meter access is restricted, your bill may be based on an estimated reading. Estimated readings rely on your historical energy usage, adjusted for current weather conditions; however, if your usage has changed, these bills could be over or under estimated.

  When your meter reading is estimated, any variation between the estimated and actual usage will be adjusted with the next actual meter reading which may cause the new bill to be higher or lower than expected.

  You can avoid an estimated bill by submitting your own meter reading to ensure accurate billing. Go to Meter Reading for more information on how to locate the meter and submit your reading, 

• How many days were in the billing period?

  A normal billing period can range from 28 to 32 days. The more days in the billing period, the higher the bill may be. Occasionally, a billing period may also be outside of the normal range due to a one-time change made in a meter reading route.

• Was there a recent weather change or did you use a space heater or cooling unit?

  Seasonal changes in the temperature can impact your electric bill. Frigid temperatures mean heating systems work harder and longer to keep you comfortable. 

  Typically, items with the most significant impact on your bill have either a heating or cooling element, such as space heaters or air conditioning, or a pump or motor. When the weather changes, this tends to impact the amount of usage at your property.

  Increased use of space heaters, electric blankets and other household appliances during winter months can contribute to higher bills.

• Did you get a new appliance or use an appliance more than normal?

  Using an appliance more, such as cooking or doing additional laundry, can cause a higher bill for that period. Adding a new appliance or other household item that needs to be plugged in or charged, such as an electric vehicle, humidifier or dehumidifier can also result in a higher bill.

• Were there additional people in the household or any lifestyle changes?

  If there are more people than normal in the household, their activities can contribute to a higher bill. For example, charging additional devices or using lights in rooms that are typically unoccupied can increase usage.

  Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as working from home or using medical equipment, can increase your energy usage and costs.

• Was there a change in your supplier or the supplier's rate?

  If you live in a state where you can shop for electricity, a change in a third-party supplier’s rate or the default service rate can result in a higher or lower bill amount. Now is a great time to review your options so that you can select a rate or program that works best for you.

  You may be able to pay less each month by selecting a competitive energy supplier that offers a rate lower than the Standard Offer Service (SOS) – also known as the Price to Compare (PTC) or Basic Generation Service (BGS) – on your bill. When evaluating competitive energy supplier options, consider price, plan structure (fixed or variable rate), contract terms and conditions, and any taxes, charges and fees that may apply.

  Visit Customer Choice to learn more about the shopping process.

• If you are on a Budget Plan, was there a change to that amount?

  The Budget Plan amount is based on the past year’s usage history and is reviewed and adjusted regularly. This may result in a higher or lower than normal balance due.

• Was there a balance transferred from a previous account?

  If there was a final bill balance from previous account transferred to your current account, then it may look like a high bill.

• Was there a security deposit billed to your account?

  A security deposit can be billed to your account based on the account history or status, per state rules.  

• Why is my bill so different from my neighbor's bill?

  You should not compare your bill with a neighbor or to a previous home. Each household may have different appliances (brand, size, age, etc.) and the occupants of each home will use appliances differently. Each house may also be different in size, which may cause higher or lower usage to heat or to cool.