How to Check Utility Bills that Seem Too High

Pinterest Facebook Bluesky Threads Flipboard

Sometimes you get a utility bill and have a feeling it’s so high it’s got to be a mistake. Learn how to check utility bills that sound too high, and get answers from the company.

Sometimes you’re just confused: you’ve used more of the utility than you thought, or the rates have shot up recently. But also sometimes companies make mistakes.

It doesn’t help that when you call the utility company, they often start with excuses. Usually it’s something vague, like, “Oh, yeah, we’ve had a rate increase this month” or “Oh, yeah, it’s been hot/cold/whatever so you’ve probably just been using more than you think.”

Never just settle for that answer. Sometimes it’s correct, but sometimes they really have made a mistake. Or there’s an issue going on in your home that could be corrected, and you’ll lose out if you don’t push them to help you identify it.

1. Gather Your Utility Bills and Accounts

The first step in investigating high utility bills is to collect all of your recent bills and account information. Depending on the utilities you have, this may include:

Electricity bill
Natural gas or propane bill
Water and sewer bill
Trash/recycling bill
Internet, cable, or phone bill

Gather the last 3-6 months’ worth of bills if possible, as this will give you a better sense of your typical usage and costs over time. You’ll also want to have your account numbers, login credentials, and any other relevant details for each utility provider.

2. Focus on Usage Stats First

Forget the amounts of money and look at the usage stats. For gas, they usually measure this in “therms”; for electricity, it’s “watts.”

Some companies even have an online setup where you can log into your account and make comparisons between this time last year, or a month ago. Here’s what to look for:

Has your therm or watt usage suddenly shot up? If so, that explains the high bill, and you should probably look for ways to lower your electric bills and other utilities. But what if it’s a sudden huge increase in usage?

Once upon a time, I moved from an apartment that had several gas-powered appliances (including a dryer) to one that had only a couple. My bill indicated I was using twice as much gas at the new apartment, and that just didn’t sound right.

I pointed that out to the company, and they finally agreed to send out a service person to check. It turned out to be the pilot light in a furnace I wasn’t using.

Just running that pilot light from the 1960s was costing me twice what I’d paid to run the whole kitchen and a dryer on gas in the other apartment. Turning off the pilot light solved the problem.

But then they also discovered a leak in the system, which they fixed. So not only did my perseverance fix my money problem – it also made my apartment safer.

Another thing that can go wrong with utility bills for apartment or condo dwellers is when the charges for a common area’s utilities get linked to your unit’s bill somehow. Years ago, I had an apartment where my electricity cost double that of anyone else in the building, and none of the possible reasons the electric company suggested applied.

I never managed to get them to investigate it (didn’t push as hard as I should have), but a former electric company employee later told me I had probably been paying for the lights in the hallway or something, and the company should have come out to investigate instead of brushing me off. That’s why you have to be persistent.

While checking your current bills against historical ones, here are some things to look for:

Electricity usage (kWh)
Natural gas or propane usage (therms or gallons)
Water usage (gallons)
Internet/cable/phone usage (data, minutes, etc.)

Compare your current usage to your historical averages. If you notice a sudden, unexplained increase, that’s a red flag that something may be causing your utility costs to rise. Make note of the specific billing period(s) where the higher usage occurred.

3. Check for Errors or Billing Issues

Also examine your utility bills for any errors or irregularities. Look for the following potential billing issues:

Incorrect rates or tariffs being applied
Miscalculated usage or consumption amounts
Incorrect meter readings
Charges for services you don’t use
Unexplained fees or surcharges

If you spot any discrepancies, contact your utility provider right away to get them corrected. Many companies will be willing to issue credits or adjustments if there was a legitimate billing error on their part.

4. Contact Your Utility Providers

Once you’ve thoroughly reviewed your bills and usage, it’s time to reach out to your utility providers. When you contact them, be prepared to:

Explain the specific issue you’re experiencing (e.g. unexpectedly high bills)
Provide the account numbers, billing periods, and usage details you’ve gathered
Describe any changes, problems, or unusual factors you’ve identified
Ask them to review your account and bills for any errors or irregularities
Request an adjustment, credit, or other resolution if there was a legitimate issue

Utility companies are generally responsive to customer concerns about high bills, as they want to maintain good relationships. They may be able to:

Identify billing errors and issue credits
Explain rate changes or seasonal fluctuations
Provide tips and advice for reducing usage
Suggest energy-saving upgrades or programs
Set up a payment plan if you’re struggling with the costs

Be polite but persistent in getting the answers and assistance you need. Document all your interactions with the utility providers in case you need to escalate the issue further.

Remember!

1. Keep your bills! You can’t compare them if you don’t keep them – digitally or on paper.

2. If you’re sure there’s something wrong, make sure you’re able to explain it to them clearly. I called and said, “It says I used more than twice as many therms as I ever used at my last place, and I have fewer gas appliances here – that doesn’t make sense.”

3. If they don’t offer to investigate it, ask them to send someone out. If they refuse, ask to speak to a supervisor. You absolutely have the right to demand the utility company prove their bill is accurate.

5. Consider an Energy Audit

Another option is available if the company refuses to send anyone out to check things, but it will cost you something. This is a professional energy audit performed on your home or business.

During an audit, a certified technician will:

Inspect your home/building for air leaks, insulation issues, and other problems
Evaluate the performance and efficiency of your HVAC, appliances, and other equipment
Measure your overall energy usage and identify opportunities for savings
Provide a detailed report with personalized recommendations for improvements

The cost of an energy audit can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the size of your property and the depth of the assessment. However, the insights and actionable steps you’ll receive can potentially save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year on your utility bills.

Many utility companies, government programs, and private contractors offer energy audits, so be sure to shop around and find the best option for your needs and budget. The investment in an audit can pay for itself many times over through the energy and cost savings it uncovers.

6. So It Really Was Just You

If you find out you really are just frivolously wasting electricity or gas or some other utility, the utility company should still be able to help you figure out how to use less. You can also do research online to see where you’re going wrong.

An old TV or refrigerator, for example, might be using far more electricity than you would think. Replace it with a new energy star model, and it might pay for itself within just a few years.

The biggest energy savings I ever saw happened when I replaced my refrigerator with a more energy efficient one.

Energy-Saving Measures

Whether or not there was an actual issue with what you were being charged, it’s never a bad idea to look at ways to save money on utilities.

Upgrading to more energy-efficient appliances, HVAC systems, or water heaters
Sealing air leaks and improving insulation in your home or building
Adjusting your thermostat and water heater settings
Replacing old, inefficient light bulbs with LEDs
Fixing any leaks or other plumbing problems
Unplugging unused electronics and appliances
Adjusting your household’s energy usage habits and behaviors

Start with the easiest and most cost-effective changes first. Even small tweaks can make a meaningful difference in your utility bills over time. Be sure to monitor your usage and costs after making changes, to see what’s helping.