Compare daily use, not just dollars
First compare kWh per day with the same month last year. If daily use is flat but dollars rose, the likely cause is a rate, fee or billing-period change.
Match the increase to a load
A 1,500-watt heater used eight hours a day adds about 360 kWh in 30 days. Use appliance math to see whether a suspected device is large enough to explain the change.
- Heating and cooling runtime
- Electric resistance heat
- Water heating
- EV charging
- Pool pumps and dehumidifiers
Check the meter and bill details
Look for an estimated meter read, a catch-up adjustment, a past-due balance or a plan change. Contact the utility if the meter reading on the bill does not match the meter or portal history.
Editorial standard
This guide explains general billing math. Utility tariffs and local rules control your actual charges. Sources and update practices are documented in our methodology.
Read the methodology →