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Use our checklist to understand, manage energy costs
Is your bill higher than expected? Use our checklist to help understand potential contributing factors, and tap into our resources for managing your energy costs.
 Billing Components
The following items can affect the amount due displayed on your bill:
- deposits
- transfers
- increased usage
- temperature
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- rate changes
- city fees
- non-energy charges
- a balance forward
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*The billing cycle is the number of days in each bill and it can vary from as few as 25 days to more than 30 days, depending on holidays and length of the month. To take the ''surprise'' out of your monthly bill, we recommend that you consider our Averaged Monthly Payment plan.
Meter Readings
The equipment used to collect meter readings is extremely accurate, although there can be factors that affect your bill. These include an estimated reading, a misread or an incomplete meter exchange. If you'd like to know more about checking the readings on your meter, see our FAQ: How do I read my gas and/or electric meter?
Appliance Usage Patterns
Do you operate more than one refrigerator? Have you purchased a new appliance recently? Have you added new electronic equipment to your household? Our Home Energy Analyzer and Energy Calculator will help you understand the amount of energy each appliance typically uses. You also can make a dent in your energy consumption by avoiding use of the dishwasher drying cycle and using cold water for washing clothes. Have you considered lighting with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs? Learn more about these long-lasting bulbs for home lighting. They are easy to order.
Heating and Cooling Sources
At what setting do you keep your thermostat? We recommend 68 degrees F for heating, with adjustments for night hours or when you're away from home. Have you considered a programmable thermostat? Are your heating and cooling sources regularly maintained? Are furnace filters changed or cleaned monthly? Has there been an increase in family size or have you entertained guests? Have you done any recent remodeling or added to the size of your home? Do you have an electric water heater? If so, we recommend setting it at 120 degrees F for efficiency. Check out our Home Energy Analyzer to learn more.
Seasonal Appliances
Do you have a hot tub, swimming pool, filter pump, sprinkler system, dehumidifier, outdoor lighting (patio or holiday lights), driveway heaters, engine block heaters, air compressors, welders or power tools? All of these appliances can affect your bill on a seasonal basis.
Check out our other resources to help Save Energy & Money.
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