Fast read
If you are faced with high power bills, there are a variety of potential causes that should be assessed. Other than a false meter reading, the usual reason is that you and your family are simply using too much energy.
This can be caused by an excess amount of fridges, high hot water consumption via long showers, or overused heating or cooling devices. Other reasons behind a high energy bill may be, outdated inefficient lighting, wastage in standby electricity, and old outdated ducted air conditioning equipment.
To avoid wasting money on electricity, it is important to check all the potential causes and take steps to lower your energy usage. This can include switching to energy-efficient appliances, turning off unused devices, and adjusting your heating and cooling settings.
My electric bill is much higher than usual. What could be the reasons?
If you are experiencing high electric bills, consider examining any of the 10 reasons outlined above.
1. Uninformed knowledge of rates
Many people struggle to understand their electric bills, making it challenging to shop around for better rates. However, the good news is that with a little knowledge, you can make informed choices allowing you to save money on your bills.
Understanding time of use tariffs and peak demand charges
One of the most significant factors that contribute to high electric bills is tariffs, particularly time-of-use tariffs and peak demand charges. A ‘time of use tariff’ means that the price you pay for your electricity varies by the time of day, day of the week, and time of year. This can be confusing and result in households and businesses paying five times more during peak periods, such as a weekday evening, compared to overnight on a weekend.
So if you run regular appliances such as the washing machine or dishwasher at night instead of during peak cost periods, significant savings can be achieved. This assumes you do not have solar, because if you have solar – then these appliances should be run during solar generating hours.
How to address high electric bills from poor rates?
To start lowering your energy bill costs, carefully study your gas and electricity bills. You may reduce your energy usage by acting after you are aware of where the majority of your consumption/expenses are coming from. For example, if air-con or gas heating is your major cost, make sure you invest in good insulation and gap filling to create a downward pressure on your bill.
Reviewing your energy rates every year is simple thanks to government websites and private companies that compare prices. For families, it is frequently as easy as calling your existing provider and requesting a better rate.
For larger businesses, it is advisable to put your invoices out to tender every few years.
However, it is crucial to be aware that electricity and gas tariffs are complicated and have hidden details. Therefore, it is crucial to compare apples with apples and not just focus on the percentage discount offered or the kWh rate. Instead, ask for the final rate you will pay per kWh, and ALL other charges whether you are being quoted an “inc GST” or “ex GST” rate, and whether your daily service charge is staying the same or going up.
2. The unknown correction bill, causing electric bill spikes and shock
If you have ever received an unexpectedly high electric bill, it could be because of estimated billing. Here’s what you need to know to avoid these eyewatering ‘correction’ bills.
What are the estimated electric bills?
Energy companies are allowed to estimate your energy usage if they cannot read your meter. The reason your meter was not read could be a dog was in the front yard near the meter, the meter board was locked, your meter reader was sick for a period or the energy company wants to save money on meter reading (but will not admit it).
The real significant issue for you arises when these estimated electric bills continue for a few periods, and the estimated amount of your consumption is significantly lower than what was used. You may not even realise that your bills are being estimated, as while it is mentioned on the bill, it usually is not easy to discover.
What you can do about it?
Here are some steps you can take to avoid high ‘correction’ bills on estimated energy bills:
Check your electric bill details
Keep an eye out for the phrase “estimated” or the letter “E” next to the meter readings on your energy bills. If your bills are consistently projected/estimated, you can typically take a reading yourself and call it in. No need to be concerned if your electric bill has the word “Actual” or the letter “A” next to the reading, as this means a meter is ready to check your meter for that bill.
Use an electricity monitor
Track your energy usage between bills by using an electricity monitor. Energy monitors can be installed by a qualified electrician on your meter board or if you have solar you could install the Solar Analytics monitor software.
Take your meter readings
Take your meter readings, maybe on the first of each month. This way, you can have ‘hard evidence’ of your energy usage and avoid paying for any wrong reading. It also lets you become aware of monthly fluctuations. Usually, the meter has a mechanical or digital readout – which shows your consumption in kWh.
If your meter is a smart meter and shows several readouts – usually the highest is the overall kWh consumption since installation of the meter. Then you only note that number and a month later check it again and subtract the NEW higher number from the original one to get your consumption for the month.
3. A failing solar system
A quality solar PV system, preferably with batteries is a great way to create your renewable power and reduce electricity bills for decades. However, some homeowners may still experience high bills, despite having solar panels installed. There could be many reasons from an old system that is minuscule to a system that has ceased working.
Why you may be facing high electric bills, despite having solar installed
Four main causes of high electricity bills exist for houses with solar panels. They are
- Inadequate knowledge of the PV systems capabilities (size & output);
- Decreased performance as a result of panel efficiency decrease or maintenance issues;
- Using electricity like there is no tomorrow because we have solar;
- Billing or metering errors.
1 – Lack of knowledge
Homeowners could have preconceived notions about how much energy their solar panels generate and when. Some people might believe they can use energy-intensive products, such as air conditioners, for nothing. The size of the air conditioner, the size of the PV array, the weather, the time of year, and the day all play a role in this. Homeowners risk unintentionally using more electricity than their solar panels generate if they are unaware of the possibilities of their panels.
2 – Maintenance issues
While quality solar systems are generally reliable and low-maintenance, lower-spec and cheaper systems are more prone to issues such as faulty inverters, faulty panels, shading, and water-logged connections. Regular maintenance checks can help avoid these issues. Maybe try our output calculator to see if your system performs within expectations.
3 – Using electricity like there is no tomorrow
Sometimes after customers had a solar system installed, they called the installer a few months later to complain that their electric bill was hardly reduced. Inevitably when the issue is investigated it becomes clear that the household has increased their electricity consumption markedly since they got solar.
Having a solar system means you now will get “free” electricity from the sun. It does not mean it’s free for all and we never have to turn off lights or turn off appliances on standby power. So keep your consumption pattern consistent after you get solar and you will get fewer surprises.
4 – Electric billing or metering problems
Homeowners may also face billing or metering errors that are difficult to identify. If homeowners don’t check and monitor their solar system, they may miss out on benefits from their solar, because the system might have shut down during an overvoltage issue with the grid and no one noticed for weeks. Checking if the “feed-in tariff” appears on the power bills and understanding the difference between “self-consumption” and “exported power” is important.
4. Refrigeration can cost a bundle
Modern refrigerators are quite energy efficient, so the issue is not so much about the refrigeration itself, but rather the number of refrigerators a household has as well as the age of the key refrigerator.
1 – Multiple refrigerators and a freezer in households
Households with multiple refrigerators, such as a fridge/freezer, chest freezer, and separate drinks fridge, can easily rack up a considerable electricity bill. This is a common issue in large households with substantial electricity expenses. So the question is – do you need the spare fridge in the garage – or can you get one large modern energy-efficient fridge to replace 2 older ones, which are less efficient?
2 – Refrigeration in commercial settings
For businesses such as cafes, restaurants, and clubs, refrigeration can be the single biggest energy user. The sheer number of refrigerators, including cool rooms, freezer rooms, display fridges and freezers, under bench fridges, and ice machines, can cause a significant increase in electric bills.
3 – Fighting high electric bills from refrigeration
To combat high electric bills from refrigeration, it is important to consolidate the number of devices in use. Instead of using multiple partially full fridges, use one close to full capacity. Placing non-perishable items, which can benefit from some refrigeration in a fridge on a plug-in timer can also help.
For households, setting the fridge at 4˚C and the freezer at -15˚C is sufficient, so make sure you do not set the fridge/freezer any colder than needed. In regards to businesses, lower settings may be necessary to ensure safe food handling and rapid chilling of stock.
For cool rooms, it is important to maximise insulation and minimise air changes. This can be achieved by ensuring the door is well sealed and using a PVC door curtain.
5. The different water pumps throughout a household
Recent data indicates that 13% of Australians now reside in homes with swimming pools. Pool filter pumps go all day and circulate the water and power the pool cleaner, which is a common reason for these households’ high electricity costs.
1 – Hot water reticulation pumps
Large residences and apartment complexes often include hot water reticulation pumps that circulate hot water via pipes to deliver hot water quickly. Although the pumps may not use a lot of energy on their own, they continuously drain the energy from hot water systems, which can be expensive. Reticulation pumps should be turned off, set to the lowest speed, or put on a timer because electric hot water tanks consume a lot of electricity.
2- Pool pumps and irrigation pumps
Despite improvements in pool pump efficiency, pool shops and swimming pool installers still generally install over-specked filter pumps. They also recommend the pump runs for 8 hours or more per day, which is not necessary in many cases.
Overly large and incorrectly operated pumps can also increase electricity bills. In energy terms, motor speed is critical, as halving the pump speed reduces its power requirement by over 85%. Reducing the operating time of pool pumps can help save money on electric bills.
Other water pumps
Fish tanks, pond pumps, and water features require circulation pumps of varying sizes, which can increase electricity bills. Electric heaters may also be needed for fish tanks. Using smaller, efficient pumps, and setting them to the lowest necessary speed, can help reduce electric bills.
6. Water heaters
Although it is a necessity in our everyday lives, hot water has a price. An average household uses 30% of its energy for hot water systems. Your system will require a lot of energy whether it is a tank or an instantaneous system (‘continuous flow’).
Reasons for high electric bills from hot water
Energy utilisation, hot water already has a high starting point, and things can quickly get worse. Among the causes of high hot water electricity bills are:
- Ineffective shower heads and plumbing fixtures;
- Extremely long indulgent showers and baths via teens and others;
- A leaky hot water pipe (dripping tap, or leak at the tank);
- Inefficient hot water generating equipment.
Pool and spa water heaters
Although they are less frequent in homes, pool and spa water heaters are significant energy consumers. They are powered by solar energy (black pipe on roofs), heat pumps, or natural gas. Even solar pool heaters consume a significant amount of electricity. The circulation pump, which may need to work for 8 to 10 hours each day, is the reason for this.
How to save energy with hot water systems
- Reduce hot water usage by fixing any leaks and using efficient water fixtures and shower heads;
- Use washing machines on the cold cycle – with special washing powders for cold water;
- Use shorter cycles for dishwashers and washing machines;
- Consider installing a timer on the hot water system to only heat water during specific times of the day;
- If you have an electric tank hot water system adjust the temperature to a lower level, which means less energy is needed for the boosting;
- Use a solar water heater or heat pump to heat your hot water. These options are the most energy-efficient ways and much cheaper than electric or gas fuelled water heaters;
- For pool and spa water heaters, reduce the operating time of the circulation pump or use a variable speed drive to run it more efficiently. Also set the temperature to a comfortable level, without going too warm as each degree of heating will add a lot of energy costs.
- For offices and households with instant hot/cold taps, switch the unit off or place it on a timer after hours.
7. Ducted air conditioning
High power expenditures are regularly the result of ducted air conditioning in both homes and businesses. Air conditioning accounts for more than 50% of the electric bill in many homes and businesses.
The cost of ducted air conditioning
An average household ducted air conditioning system uses 5 kW of power. You may be spending more than $1,500 on power for just one device if you use it for 5 hours per day, 365 days per year. This computation is based on a $0.36 per kWh electricity rate, however, your input power, consumption duration, and tariffs may differ.
Ducted gas heating
Ducted gas heating is another type of system that can cause high energy bills. These systems are popular in Victoria, but they can chew through natural gas or LPG. Additionally, they require electricity to power their large air circulation fans. The input rating of ducted
What you can do about high electric bills
- If at all possible, swap out older ducted systems for modern ones or switch to smaller, high-efficiency split system air conditioners for areas required. Because they use less energy, these technologies can lower your energy costs.
- Use shade, draft-proofing, solar reflection films on northern and western widows, thick curtains and extensive insulation to keep the heat or cold out of your building. This will help you use less air conditioning.
- In the summer, raise the thermostat; in the winter, reduce it. Costs associated with heating or cooling can be decreased by 5–10% for every 1 C change.
- When possible, switch to modern efficient heaters, portable fans, and ceiling fans in place of air conditioning.
In conclusion, ducted air conditioning and ducted gas heating can be major contributors to high energy bills. However, by taking some simple steps to reduce your energy usage, you can help lower your electric bill and save money over the long term.
8. Other forms of home heating
Plug-in electric heaters
A plug-in electric heater can initially appear to be a practical solution to remain warm throughout the cold. They are cheap to purchase and work immediately.
However, the cost to operate these heaters is often deceivingly high. For instance, a single 2 kW electric heater running for 8 hours each day might use over $500 worth of electricity in a single quarter.
Invisible heaters
Some of the worst heating culprits are invisible to the user. Underfloor electric or hydronic heating, heated towel rails, and in-slab or underfloor heating can all contribute to high electric bills, as they are often left running all day.
Clothes dryers, electric ovens, and kilns are also heaters that can contribute substantially to your electricity or gas bills. make sure you operate these devices on time, but make sure the periods are staggered and not on a long cycle.
What can you do about it?
- Use timers or other controllers to limit the use of electric heaters, especially continuously running underfloor heating and heated towel rails.
- Where thermostats are available, use them and set the temperature to something reasonable. Aim for 18 to 20 degrees Celsius for general heating, or much lower if you’re heating the house overnight.
- Use low-power radiant and conductive heaters, such as an electric blanket, heated throw, or foot mat.
- Reduce your use of dryers, and if you frequently use them, consider switching to a heat pump drier.
- To utilise less air conditioning, use shade, draft-proofing, and insulation to keep the heat or cold out of your building in the first place.
- Use efficient star-rated heaters, portable fans, and ceiling fans as alternatives to air conditioning.
- In the summer, raise the thermostat; in the winter, reduce it. Costs associated with heating or cooling can be decreased by 5–10% for every 1 C change.
- If at all possible, replace ducted systems with compact, high-efficiency split-system air conditioners.
9. Lighting
Lighting is a crucial component of any home or company. However, it can be also a significant factor in the high cost of electricity. Lighting is an excellent place to start if you’re looking for ways to save energy quickly. In actuality, there are huge prospects for energy savings in this sector.
Old technology
Old lighting technologies such as incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent lamps consume a lot more energy and have higher maintenance costs, than modern lights. With the availability of efficient LED lighting, these old lights should be replaced for up to 90% energy savings.
Over usage
Leaving lights on when they’re not needed, like office lighting left on for 14 hours a day, is a common mistake that can lead to higher electric bills. Inefficient lighting control can also be found in fire escape stairwells, or indoor toilets where lights are on 24/7, despite low occupancy levels.
Excessive installation
Even if you have upgraded your lights to LED, using too many of them can still result in a high electric bill. Many buildings have the same lighting intensity throughout, making no real consideration for the task being performed in each area.
This means a jeweller on the workbench needs much higher light levels than a change room in a swimming pool.
What can you do about it?
To reduce your lighting’s contribution to high electricity bills, there are a few actions you can take. Firstly, upgrade all your lights and fittings to energy-efficient LED lights. With LED solutions for almost all situations, you are sure to find an LED light that suits your needs.
10. Standby usage
Standby power, also known as “vampire power,” refers to the electricity consumed by electronic devices even when they’re not in use.
Unplug your devices when not in use
The easiest way to prevent standby power wastage is to unplug your devices when you’re not using them. This is especially important for devices like phone chargers, which continue to draw power even when your phone is fully charged. You can also use power boards with an on/off switch to make it easier to turn off multiple devices at once.
Choose energy-efficient devices
When shopping for new devices, look for those with high energy star ratings on the label. Devices with a high star rating (4 or more) are designed to use less energy and can help reduce your energy bills. You can also look for devices with power-saving features, such as automatic shut-off or sleep mode.
Adjust your settings
Many electronic devices have energy-saving settings that can help reduce standby power wastage. For example, you can adjust the power settings on your computer to put it to sleep or hibernate mode when not in use. You can also adjust the settings on your TV to turn off after a certain amount of time of inactivity.
Be mindful of your usage
Simply being more mindful of your device usage can also help reduce standby power wastage. For example, if you’re not using your computer for a while, shut it down instead of leaving it in sleep mode. You can also turn off your TV when you’re not actively watching it, instead of leaving it on as background noise, while you snore on the couch.
In conclusion, standby power wastage can significantly contribute to high electric bills. By unplugging your devices when not in use, choosing energy-efficient devices, adjusting your settings, and being more mindful of your usage, you can reduce your energy bills and help protect the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
