Changes in the weather, your lifestyle and conditions in your home all play a part in determining your bill each month. Here are some common reasons your bill could be higher:

Weather conditions

• Above-average summer heat
• Below-average winter cold

Changes at home

• New family member or house guest
• Installing additional appliances
• A change in your work schedule or habits

Electric heating & heat sources

• Central heating with an electric furnace or heat pump
• Zonal heating with plug-in space heaters, built-in wall heaters, in-floor heating or baseboard heaters
• Outdoor heating with heat lamps, heat tape, water trough heaters or engine block heaters

Cooling equipment

• Central air conditioning
• Window and portable air conditioners   

Other electrical equipment

• Plug-in electric or hybrid vehicles
• Electric water heaters
• Swimming pools, hot tubs or spas
• Irrigation pumps
• Equipment such as your water heater, heat pump or air conditioner is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired or replaced
• Plasma TVs

On your bill

• More days in your billing cycle (elapsed days)

See our bill glossary for details about energy charges and more. 

Your bill reflects the amount of electricity you use and represents the unique needs of your family. Houses vary in terms of:

• Temperature settings of the heat, air conditioning and water heater
• Insulation levels and values
• Condition of the home and appliances
• Laundry, cooking and cleaning habits
• Hot tubs, swimming pools and water features

Cooling and heating systems typically have the biggest impact on bills. Costs are determined by:

• Home size
• Home structure (ductwork, air sealing, insulation, etc.)
• Outside temperatures
• Thermostat settings (programmed around your schedule)
• Equipment maintenance
• Size of the heating/cooling system
• Hours of operation

On average 45% of a summer bill goes for cooling a home with central air. Regardless of the type of cooling system you are using, you can save by:

• Changing your filters regularly.
• Keeping your system tuned up.
• Using the recommended thermostat setting of 78°F in the summer.
• Consider a smart thermostat to help control home energy use.

It is not uncommon for a home with a central air conditioning to have summer bills with usage that is three or four times greater than other times in the year. In winter, electric heat of any sort, whether it is a primary or secondary heating system, can also add significantly to your bill.

Our meters are precision instruments that reliably measure energy use. It is very unlikely that the problem that you are experiencing is a problem with your meter. 

First determine if a change in your usage might have caused the change in your bill. Has the heating or cooling season begun? Have you had visitors? Have you had your system inspected by a professional? All of these can affect your electric bill.

If you still think there is a problem with your meter or reading, please call us at 1-888-221-7070.