Why your bill might be higher this month
Here are the top five reasons your energy bill may be higher than usual.
1. Billing period
Looking at the dates on your bill is a great place to start. Your bill arrives about a month after your usage period, so you may need to think back to your energy use during that time frame.
A typical bill covers around 30 days, but that can vary depending on the meter reading schedule. Check how many days you were billed for. More days covered usually means higher energy consumption.
2. Seasonal changes
Energy usage often increases during the winter and summer. When temperatures are low, it takes more energy to heat your home. When temperatures are high, homes with air conditioning consume more energy for cooling.
Adjusting your thermostat to be lower in the winter and higher in the summer means your furnace and air conditioner won’t work as hard and reduces your energy consumption.
3. Energy rate
Your energy rate determines how much you pay for each unit of energy. You can find your current rate by signing in to your account. Your energy rate may be higher if you have chosen one that fluctuates from month to month. Your rate can also change at the end of a rate term.
4. Charges and fees
Delivery charges cover the cost to build and maintain the infrastructure that transports energy to your home. There is a charge for customer service as well as fees that go to local municipalities. While most charges and fees are fixed, some vary slightly based on your energy use.
5. Estimated meter reads
In the event that your meter couldn’t be read, your bill may show an estimated meter read based on past usage trends. Once an actual read is received, your next bill will reflect the actual amount of energy usage and you won’t be overcharged based on past usage trends.
What else affects my bill?
Take control of your energy
- Compare your current bill to past bills. Identify which part of your bill has seen the biggest change. A breakdown of your bill can help you understand each line item.
- Review your energy rate options.
- Find ways to conserve energy. Check out our energy saving tips for summer and winter.
- Check your meter against your bill. If your read was estimated, you can submit your own meter reading.
- Prefer to pay the same amount each month? Consider an Equalized Payment Plan.
- Have payment concerns? Visit our Affordability page.
