Why Your Bill Might Be High
There are a number of reasons why your bill could be higher than expected:
Previous unpaid charges
If you didn’t pay a bill in full previously, that balance may carry over to your current bill.Estimated meter readings
If the meter couldn’t be read, your usage may have been estimated. Once an actual reading is taken, your bill may adjust up or down.Longer billing periods
Billing cycles don’t always cover the same number of days. A longer cycle naturally results in a higher bill.Seasonal and weather changes
Heating in winter, cooling in summer, shorter daylight hours, and greater use of clothes dryers can all push usage up.Changes in household activity
Extra people staying in the home, changes in schedules, or new appliances can all increase electricity consumption.Faulty, old, or inefficient appliances
Older or inefficient appliances, or those that are damaged, may draw more power than expected. Adding new high-consumption appliances (like heaters, hot water systems, or EV chargers) also increases load.Phantom or unnoticed usage
Devices on standby, appliances running constantly, or equipment like pool pumps and hot water cylinders may consume electricity even when you don’t notice.Price or rate changes
A change in your electricity rates or fixed charges can also affect your bill.
How to Investigate the Cause
Here are practical steps to help you understand your usage:
Check your bill and meter
Compare the reading on your bill with your actual meter. Check whether the bill was estimated and confirm the length of the billing period.Track your usage
Record daily or weekly meter readings to spot patterns in consumption and link them to household activities.Run a load test
Turn off all appliances, note the base load, then switch appliances back on one at a time. This helps identify which ones are drawing the most power.Inspect appliances
Look for signs of age, damage, or poor efficiency. Servicing or upgrading may help.Look for hidden usage
Check for devices left on, heating or cooling left running, and other unnoticed consumption.Seek further support
If the cause isn’t clear, contact customer support or a qualified electrician. They can help rule out faults with your meter, wiring, or appliances.
How to Prevent High Bills in the Future
You can reduce your electricity use with a few simple habits:
Switch appliances off at the wall instead of leaving them on standby.
Wash clothes in cold water when possible.
Close curtains at dusk to keep warmth in.
Keep your hot water cylinder well-insulated and set to an efficient temperature.
Check and maintain fridge seals to prevent wasted energy.
Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances when you can.
Improve home insulation to reduce heating and cooling needs.
Monitor your usage regularly so you can act quickly if you spot unexpected spikes.
Summary
If your bill is unexpectedly high:
Review your bill for meter readings, estimates, and billing period length.
Track your usage and test appliances to pinpoint high consumption.
Inspect household appliances for efficiency or faults.
Adopt energy-saving habits to prevent future surprises.
Reach out for support if you still can’t identify the cause.