Reading your bill can be daunting and confusing. We’ll show you which parts of the bill are most important so you can find the information you need and ignore the bits you don’t.
1. Concessions
Here, you’ll find a list of the concessions that your energy company is applying to your bill. If your concession is not listed here, you’re not getting it. So, hop on the phone to your energy company and ask them to apply all your concessions.
2. Best offer
This part shows you the cheapest energy plan available with your current energy company. If you’re not currently on this plan, it’s a good idea to call your energy company and ask them to switch to this ‘best offer’ so you can start saving money today.
3. Average daily use
This is a simple way to show you how much energy you’re using on average (in kilowatt hours per day). You can compare this amount with the same time last year to see how your energy use is changing (and whether energy saving tips are making a difference).
4. Seasonal variation
With the need to heat and cool our homes, it makes sense that our bills will be reflective of the seasons. This graph shows you whether you have a higher bill in winter or summer.
5. Usage and service charges
This shows you the cost of your current electricity bill, not to be confused with the figure that shows the amount of money you previously owe.
6. Unpaid amount from previous bill
If you’ve missed a payment or your payment hasn’t been received, the amount you owe (debt) will be reflected here. If you are having trouble paying your previous bill, call your energy company to get help. You may also be eligible for a Utility Relief Grant to help pay unpaid bills.
7. Total amount owed
This amount reflects the cost of your current bill plus any amounts you owe to your energy company.
8. Billing period
This part of the bill tells you how often your bills arrive and whether you’re paying for one month or three months of electricity.
