If you’ve received an energy invoice that’s higher than usual, it could be due to a number of different reasons.
We have listed some of the more commonly occurring reasons below.
Estimated Invoice
- It’s possible that you have received a higher invoice as it is an estimated read. Your invoice could have been estimated because
- The meter reader had difficulty accessing your meter. This usually happens if your meter has been installed indoors, is behind a locked gate or is guarded by a pet pooch.
- If you have a smart meter, connection dropouts can sometimes happen. In this case, your distributor or meter data provider sends DPG an estimate based on your past usage.
- Bad weather
To avoid estimated invoices, you should always ensure safe and unhindered access to your meter.
You can also submit your own meter reads.
Learn more on How to read your meter
Change in season
- Hot summers and cold winters can be contributing factors in a high bill. Use of cooling and heating appliances can increase your usage.
- To check if you are using more energy than usual, you can compare your usage to the same time last year.
Billing period
- Your energy invoice rarely has the exact number of days in each billing period.
- As such, your higher invoice could be due to a greater number of days in the billing period.
- You can check the number of days in your billing cycle in the “Understand your bill” section.
Previous invoice
- Has a balance from your previous invoice been brought forward? You can find out by checking the “Balance Brought Forward” in the “Understand your bill” section.
Price increase
- Has a price increase occurred during your billing period.
- You will be notified of all price changes in advance.
Change in solar tariff
- Occasionally, the solar feed-in-tariff may change. If you tariff changes, we will notify you ahead of the change.
- You can see your solar credits in the “Rate description” section of “Understand your bill”.
Appliances
- If you've recently bought new appliances, they may be consuming more power than you realise - particularly if the appliance uses stand-by power.
- Are there any faulty or old appliances that could be using more energy? To find how much energy your appliances use, visit https://calculator.energyrating.gov.au/
Spending more time at home
- If you are spending more time working from home, the kids are on school holidays or you've got friends or family visiting, spending more time at home may be the cause of a higher invoice.
Recent move
- If you have moved recently, your new home may be larger, less energy efficient or your tariff or pricing may be different.
Concessions
- Check on your invoice to see if the relevant concessions, rebates or grants have been applied.
- They should appear in the “Credits” section under “Understand your bill”.
Read our energy tips on how you can save energy and lower your bills.
If you would like to make monthly instalment payments, you may be eligible to sign up to Dodo SmartPay.