If your bill is higher than you expected, there are a number of possible reasons we encourage you to investigate.
If none of these "energy increasers" seem likely to have influenced your bill, please contact your energy retailer.
Increases in natural gas & electricity prices.
Although natural gas-fired generation in Alberta is less by volume than coal-fuelled generation, natural gas generation drives market prices in tight supply times.
Weather Changes.
During cold weather, your electricity bill will probably increase due to increased usage of your furnace, block heaters, space heaters etc.
Unusually hot weather can also increase your bill if you're increasing the use of air conditioning and fans (although the increase probably won't be as high as in winter).
If you'd like to minimize month-to-month fluctuation of your bills, consider equalizing your payments throughout the year.
Household Changes
Any of the following changes in your household will increase your bill:
Having more people in your home (guests, a new baby etc). About 50% of electrical costs go toward space heating and 30% toward water heating (extra showers and laundry will increase your bill).
Using new appliances or increasing the use of appliances you already have.
Renovating (new floors and windows requires more energy).
Household Inefficiencies
Don't forget to do the following, or you may inadvertently increase your energy bills:
Ensure you have enough insulation in your walls, floors or ceilings? Maybe you need more caulking around windows, doors and any cracks where cold or hot air may enter your home.
Make sure your furnace's calibration is working. If it's not, the furnace may be activated unnecessarily.
Close your fireplace damper.
Don't leave your lights on all night (consider installing lights with a motion sensor).
Don't plug in your block heater overnight.