Why is my electric bill so high?

Compare usage per day

Billing periods are not always the same length. Divide total kWh by the number of billing days before comparing household use. If one bill covers 34 days and the other covers 28, total kWh can rise even when daily consumption stays nearly the same.

Separate use from usage-related cost

A bill can rise because more electricity was used or because the charges associated with each kWh changed. Depending on the utility, those charges may include generation, delivery, riders, fuel adjustments, and other variable items.

The advertised supply rate is not always the same as total usage-related cost divided by kWh. Keep the distinction visible rather than labeling every difference a rate increase.

Check fixed charges, taxes, and credits

Customer charges, minimum charges, local taxes, regulatory surcharges, late fees, and expiring credits can change the total without changing household electricity use. Compare these line items separately when the bill makes them available.

Check the meter-reading status

Some bills mark a reading as actual or estimated. An estimated reading may later be corrected, moving cost between billing periods. The calculator can compare the printed values, but it cannot verify that a meter reading or tariff is correct.

What two bills cannot prove

Monthly totals cannot identify the appliance responsible for increased use. They also cannot diagnose wiring, meter, solar, heating, cooling, or safety problems. Interval usage data and qualified inspection may be needed when the increase remains unexplained.