Why is my energy bill so high?

Compare the same kind of period

A high headline amount is not enough to identify a mistake. Compare dates, days covered and whether the earlier statement was a normal bill, a catch-up bill or a first statement after moving.

Separate usage from the price you paid

Check the kWh used, the unit rate and the standing charge separately. A change in usage and a change in rate can both increase the total, while a longer period can make either change look larger.

• Use the electricity or gas calculator with your own bill figures for a simple sense check.
• Do not use a current example rate as if it were the rate on your account.
• Keep gas meter units separate from the kWh shown on the gas bill.

Check actual and estimated readings

Look for labels such as actual, estimated or customer reading. If a bill uses an estimate, take a safe dated reading and ask the supplier to update the account through its normal channel.

Use three quick tests to narrow the cause

Compare the bill with your own evidence in three passes: first the number of days, then kWh used, then the rate and standing charge. A longer period points to a timing difference; higher kWh points to usage or a reading issue; similar kWh with different charges points to rates, standing charges or adjustments. None of these tests alone proves a supplier error.

Do not mistake a higher payment for a higher bill

A supplier can change a Direct Debit after reviewing expected annual usage, prices or the account balance. That payment change may matter, but it is not the same evidence as a higher charge for energy already used. Use the dedicated Direct Debit guide when the payment itself changed, and keep the two questions separate.

A quick route through the evidence

If you are short on time, check these in order: the number of days covered, the opening and closing readings, whether either reading is estimated, the kWh used, the unit rates and standing charges, and the account balance. This order helps separate a timing difference from a usage, tariff or payment-plan problem.

• If only the payment changed, start with the Direct Debit guide rather than treating it as a higher bill.
• If the reading is estimated, use the estimated-bill guide and keep a dated customer reading.
• If the account is in credit or debit, check the billed-through date before assuming the balance is refundable or overdue.

Ask a focused question when the figures still do not line up

Give the supplier the bill period, readings, reading types and the specific line you want checked. Ask them to explain the calculation rather than only asking whether the whole bill is wrong.

• Keep the submitted reading and confirmation.
• Do not cancel a payment arrangement solely because the headline bill is high.
• Use the checker to organise the facts and unanswered questions before contacting the supplier.

Common questions