Energy bills can make up a significant part of many household budgets. Taking small changes can help you save on your energy costs, such as turning off lights and appliances when not in use.
Understanding the various charges on your bill can also help you manage your energy expenses. Learn about what a kilowatt hour is and how it’s calculated.
What is my bill?
Your energy bill includes a variety of charges and fees. The two primary components are supply charges and delivery charges, which cover the costs of generating electricity and transporting it to your home. The specific line items on your bill will vary based on the supplier and utility, but they will usually include:
Electricity Costs
Your home energy charges are calculated by multiplying your electricity consumption by the price per kilowatt-hour charged by your power company. This number is reflected on your meter readings and can be found in the “Energy Consumption” section of your bill. This amount is then added to any fixed fees included in your bill. You have control over this portion of your bill by working to cut home energy charges through smarter usage habits or selecting a plan with a lower supply rate.
Some bills have a tiered billing structure, which means that the first few hundred kilowatt hours you use may be at one rate while your next few hundred will be at a higher price. These tiers will also be shown on your meter readings and can be used to calculate your total consumption. If you are unsure of how to read your meter readings or calculate your consumption, please contact your utility for assistance. You can also sign up for a free energy analysis on the Constellation website to learn more about your usage and rates.
How do I know how much I owe?
It’s easy to get a feel for your energy usage by using past bills. Look for the kWh consumption from a comparable month last year and estimate what your watt-hour usage will be this month, given your typical habits (like watching TV four hours a day).
There are also tools online to help calculate your electricity consumption. Just plug in your home’s information to find out how much power your appliances and devices consume. These devices are rated in terms of power—a joule over time, to be specific—and they add up quickly.
Understanding your bill can help you manage energy costs and reduce consumption. For instance, if you notice that your energy company charges a higher rate during peak times of the day, you can adjust your usage to avoid those charges or switch to a supplier offering lower rates for the same consumption.
To calculate your bill, you’ll need to know the number of kilowatt-hours you consumed since your last meter reading and how many kWh the unit rate is. Once you have that, multiply it by the price per kWh and consider any fixed fees or other charges listed on your bill. In addition, you can always shop around to see if there’s a better deal out there for you! This way you can save even more on your energy costs.
How do I pay my bill?
Pay your bill quickly and easily, using the method of your choice. You can also save by signing up for paperless billing and automatic payments. Just make sure you have your account number and bank account or credit card information handy. You can find more ways to save and get personalized insights on your energy use in the online Energy Center. If you have any questions about your bill or how to pay, please contact Customer Service. You can also learn more about fighting air pollution and climate change through simple habits, easy home improvements, and smart buying tips. Visit Save Our Planet for more information.
What are my options?
Utility costs, especially electricity, tend to make up a big portion of household budgets. The good news is you have options when it comes to controlling your energy expenses. Educating yourself about the charges and fees on your electric bill can help you gain control over energy costs. A helpful way to do this is by examining a sample of an electricity bill from your supplier and breaking it down into its home energy charges, listed as kilowatt-hours (or kWh).
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your meter readings so you aren’t overcharged. Additionally, if you live in a deregulated area, you have the option of switching your energy supplier to take advantage of competitive rates.
If you’re having trouble affording your energy bills, the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) may be able to help. This program is available for seniors on Social Security and other qualifying benefits. You can apply online, by phone or through your local office for the aging.