High electricity bills can be frustrating. Learn what impacts your energy costs and discover simple ways to save on your monthly bill.
Find out what's driving your bill up and how to bring it back down.
A high electric bill almost always comes down to one of two things: you're paying a higher rate, or you're using more electricity. Expired contracts, rising delivery charges, extreme weather, and aging appliances are the most common culprits. The good news is that most of them are easy to spot and fix.
We've all opened a bill and done a double take. Before you call your provider or crank down the thermostat, it helps to know where the extra cost is coming from. Below, we'll show you how to tell whether it's your rate or your usage, walk through the six most common causes, and share what you can do about each one.
First, Find Out If It's Your Rate or Your Usage
Grab this month's bill and one from the same month last year, then compare two numbers:
Comparing the same month year over year matters, because summer and winter bills are naturally higher than spring and fall.
When a fixed-rate plan ends, you're typically moved to a higher month-to-month rate. Renew before your end date to lock in a new fixed rate.
Your local utility sets delivery charges and adjusts them periodically, so your bill can rise even when your rate and usage don't.
Heat waves and cold snaps make your heating and cooling work overtime. Adjust your thermostat a few degrees and use ceiling fans to offset it.
Aging AC units, heaters, and water heaters use more power to do the same job. Change filters, schedule tune-ups, and look for ENERGY STAR when replacing.
TVs, consoles, chargers, and computers draw power even when they're off. Smart power strips and LED bulbs cut that hidden usage.
If you haven't shopped in a while, or your "free nights" plan charges more during the day, you may be overpaying. Compare your price per kWh to today's plans.
Working from home, houseguests, or new additions like an EV, pool pump, or space heater can add up fast. Check whether anything changed in your household.
Billing periods can vary by a few days each month. More days on one bill means more usage, so check the service dates before comparing bills.
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