High bill reasons and solutions

Winter

More days in billing period

Because of holidays, billing periods are longer. A typical billing period is between 29 and 31 days. When factoring in holidays, your billing period could be up to 37 days long. A difference of 5 days on your bill can increase your bill by 17 percent.

Colder weather

Cold snaps in some months can increase your bill by more than 10 percent as your heating increases.

More energy use

You might be using more energy for cooking, cleaning, lighting and heating during holidays. Because the sun sets earlier, you also use more lighting than you do in other seasons.

Summer

Warmer weather

During summer months, air conditioning can increase your cooling costs by 10 percent or more.

More energy use

In the summer, you may use more energy for cooking outdoors, cleaning and home improvement projects. You can also use more energy in the summer to keep you cool and comfortable indoors and outdoors when you use your air conditioner, dehumidifier or a swimming pool.