Why is my electricity bill higher than expected?
You’re not alone. High electricity bills can happen for many reasons — and it’s not always obvious why.
This checklist will help you quickly understand what may have changed and what to check next.
First, check your bill
1. Is the billing period longer?
If this bill covers more days than your last bill, the total will be higher even if your daily usage hasn’t changed.
Tip: Compare the cost per day, not just the total amount.
2. Is the bill estimated?
An estimated bill is based on past usage, not an actual meter read. This can be higher or lower than what you really used.
If your meter has been read since, the next bill may correct this.
3. Have prices changed?
Electricity prices can change during the year. Even if you use the same amount of power, your bill can still increase.
4. Are rebates or credits missing?
Check if any government rebates or credits you usually receive are shown on your bill. Visit our Concessions Hub page to see what concessions are available for your state.
Next, think about your electricity use
5. Weather changes
Hot or cold weather often means higher use from air-conditioning or heating.
6. Changes at home
- More people staying or living in the apartment
- Working from home more often
- Guests staying for extended periods
7. Appliances
Some appliances use a lot of power, especially:
- Air-conditioning and heaters
- Hot water systems
- Dryers and ovens
- Older or faulty appliances
Quick things you can do now
- Compare your daily usage with previous bills
- Check if your bill was estimated
- Turn off appliances at the wall when not in use
- Use heating and cooling only when needed
Still not sure?
If something doesn’t look right, you can ask for help.
- Request a bill explanation
- Ask about payment options if you’re having trouble paying
- Ask for your meter to be checked if needed
We’re here to help. Contact us if you’d like someone to go through your bill with you.