There are a whole bunch of reasons why your electricity bills will change and they might be things you don’t even notice. To assist you in understanding why there might be variations with your power bills we’ve put together a checklist highlighting the most common reasons that will change your bill.
Changing Seasons
Seasons and the weather can have a huge impact on your energy use. In summer energy use is generally boosted by the need for air-conditioning while in colder temperatures people tend to spend more time with lights, TV, computer, clothes dryer or heater on.
If possible it’s a good idea to compare your bill with one from the same season form the previous year.
More People are in the Home
Generally, the more people that you the more energy you are likely to use. You will often find your energy use spikes when friends or relatives stay for a few weeks or if kids have been home for the holidays.
Energy Hungry Appliances
Have you been using an energy-hungry appliance like a dryer? You will be surprised at which appliances utilise the most energy and add the most to your bill. For more information on their usage, take a look at the manual, the manufacturer’s website or its ‘energy efficiency’ label. You’ll find the power rating printed on the back or underneath many appliances or by visiting www.energyrating.gov.au.
Longer Billing Period Than Previously
Billing periods vary and your energy bill will rarely cover the exact same number of days. Check to see if this is the cause of your bill fluctuation.
There has been an Increase in Prices
Electricity prices increase from time to time. Check your current bill to see if electricity prices have recently increased.
Owing Money from a Previous Bill
If you still owe money because you happen to not pay the full amount of your last bill, the remainder of the last bill is carried over to your current bill. This will continue to happen if you don’t pay the full amount for each billing period.
Estimated Meter Readings
Sometimes when the meter reader is unable to access your electricity meter we will ‘estimate’ your energy usage based on the previous year.
If your bill is estimated you will se an ‘E’ on the back of your bill. When the meter reader can get access to the meter we will adjust your bill accordingly. You will then see an ‘A’ (for actual) on your bill.
Struggling to pay your bill?
We know that times are tough and it can be extra difficult when power bills come in higher than expected.
If you need some help managing your energy bills get in touch and talk to us about your options.
