A higher bill does not always mean that your electricity price has increased. The amount may have changed because of how much electricity was used, the length of the billing period, whether the meter was read or estimated, or an adjustment included on the bill.
Common reasons for a higher bill
Your bill may be higher because:
Seasonal weather: Heating and cooling systems often use more electricity during very hot or cold weather.
More electricity was used: Changes in occupancy, working from home, visitors or operating hours can increase consumption.
New or frequently used appliances: Clothes dryers, portable heaters, air conditioners, pool pumps, electric vehicles and other high-use equipment can significantly affect consumption.
A longer billing period: A bill covering more days than the previous bill will usually be higher.
An estimated meter reading: If we could not obtain a meter reading, your bill may have been estimated. A later actual reading may result in an adjustment.
A price or tariff change: Your usage rate, daily supply charge, demand charge or another applicable charge may have changed.
A previous adjustment: The bill may include a correction, credit reversal, undercharge or another adjustment relating to an earlier period.
Heating or cooling losses: Draughts, poor insulation, open doors or windows and inefficient equipment can make heating and cooling systems work harder.
An appliance or equipment fault: Faulty refrigeration, hot-water systems, pool equipment, heating or cooling systems can use more electricity than expected.
A change in operating times: Equipment running overnight or for longer than intended can increase household or business usage.
What should I check?
Start by comparing your current bill with an earlier bill for a similar time of year. Check:
the number of billing days;
total electricity consumption in kilowatt hours (kWh);
whether the meter reading is actual or estimated;
the current and previous meter readings;
the prices, tariffs and fees applied;
whether an adjustment has been included;
whether your household occupancy or business operating hours changed; and
whether any new appliances or equipment were installed or used more often.
Comparing electricity consumption rather than only the dollar amount can help show whether the change resulted from increased usage or from prices and other charges.
If the meter reading was estimated
Your bill should indicate if an estimated meter reading was used.
If you believe the estimate does not reasonably reflect your electricity use, contact us. Depending on your meter and access arrangements, we may be able to review the estimate, arrange a meter reading or explain whether you can provide a self-read.
If you still have questions
We can help you understand:
the meter readings used;
how your consumption was calculated;
the tariffs and charges on your account;
whether the bill includes an adjustment; and
the steps available if you believe the bill is incorrect.
Call: 1300 587 623
Or contact us online: Submit an enquiry
Please have your account number and the bill you are asking about available.
If the amount is correct but you are having difficulty paying, contact us as soon as possible. See our Hardship and Family Domestic Violence page for information about available support.
For practical ways to reduce consumption, see our Energy-Saving Tips page.