Is your bill higher than usual? There are often a few key reasons why your power bill might be higher than expected.
REASONS YOUR POWER BILL IS HIGHER THAN USUAL
Billing period
Have you checked the number of days in your billing period? This may vary due to a range of factors, like public holidays (for example the billing period over December-January is typically about 5-8 days longer due to the public holidays affecting when bills are issued). A few days more or less could make the total amount due higher or lower than previous months. You can find the number of days in your billing period under the electricity breakdown on page 2 of your bill (for help locating this, view our
how to read your bill guide).
A change in seasons and usage, especially winter
We tend to use a lot more power in winter, as we often stay home more, using more heating and hot water to stay warm. All of this adds up and increases our usage and therefore our power bill. Then when a good old Kiwi summer rolls around, hot and humid days mean you may run the air conditioner more frequently. A good trick is to check your bill at this time last year and see how your usage compares.
Actual or Estimated Meter Readings
If you don’t have a smart meter, your meter will need to be read manually by a meter reader. There may be times where we are unable to obtain a meter reading and an estimated bill is generated.
Estimated meter readings can lead to inaccurate bills because you can be under or over charged for the energy you use. If a meter reading isn’t taken, you can
provide us with a reading.
Your latest bill could also be higher than expected if it is an actual reading and you previously received an under-estimated bill.
To check if you’ve received an estimated meter reading, head to the Electricity breakdown on page 2 of your bill. Underneath ‘ELECTRICITY TOTAL’ you’ll see your meter readings and ‘(Estimate)’ or ‘(Actual)’, indicating whether the reading was actual or estimated.
If you have a smart meter, you won’t receive estimated bills and you will be billed each month for the actual amount of electricity you used.*
*Estimated readings and/or property visits may be required if we're unable to remotely communicate with your meter, if there are technical issues, or if maintenance is required or for auditing purposes.
Change in lifestyle
A new baby, additional people in your home, new appliances (such as a plasma TV or second refrigerator), additional living spaces or someone working from home more frequently will increase energy use. These lifestyle changes typically increase hot water use, laundry costs, and heating and cooling costs.
Price changes
The total amount due may change if your prices change or increase. We'll always notify you in advance of any changes.
If you have any questions about paying your bill, check out
ways to pay.
