How to Read an Electric Bill

For many electric customers, learning how to read the electric bill is an excellent way to monitor their energy usage. Reading your electric bill is also a terrific way to catch errors or discrepancies that you may be billed for incorrectly. Though each electric company uses its own billing formats, most bills include common information.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Refer to the key. Many times an electric bill will help you to read it by offering a key or guide. Find the key or the guide on your bill to help you read it and determine what exactly each entry means.
2. Look at the readings. Your bill should have two readings: your current usage reading and a previous usage reading. These readings have been documented by an electric company employee who has come out to read your electric meter. The readings are recorded using kilowatts, which are then billed using the rates provided.
3. Read the details. Look over the entire bill to see if there are any special notes, extra charges or other information that's important for you to know. Electric companies may use the bill to make an announcement or to relay other important information to their customers.
4. Call the electric company. If you still need help reading your electric bill, call the utility company directly for assistance. Someone should be able to help you figure out confusing terms and explain to you how to read what's on the bill.
5. Check the balance due. See how much you owe the electric company by looking at the balance due. This area will also tell you if you're up to date on your payments or if you owe for more than one billing cycle. Make sure you send in your payment by the due date to avoid an interruption in service.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay your bill. Once you understand what your electric bill is telling you, pay it. There are usually a variety of payment options available such as mailing in payment, online payment, phone payment and paying in person. Determine which method of remittance is best for you and pay your electric bill promptly.